SHEMINI ATZERET

Shemini Atzeret occurs on the eighth day following Sukkot.  The rabbis regard it as a holiday in its own right, separate and apart from Sukkot.  The lulav and etrog are not used nor is there any requirement “to dwell” in the sukkah, though kiddush is generally recited in the sukkah. 

The Torah offers little commentary about Shemini Atzeret.  The Torah’s silence unleashed the rabbis’ creativity in interpretation.  Some said the holiday served to emphasize the special bond between Israel and God.  Others saw it as a way to retain (“atzeret” means stop or pause) the sanctity derived from the first seven days of Sukkot and spread it throughout our lives.  Whatever the reason, it seems appropriate to conclude Sukkot in some formal, ceremonial manner.

There are two observances connected with Shemini Atzeret.  The first is the enactment of Yizkor, a memorial service for all our departed.  The second is the recitation of Geshem or the prayer for rain.  By reciting the Geshem prayer on Shemini Atzeret we synchronize our thoughts with Eretz Yisra’el—the land of Israel—which begins its rainy season at this time.  One could conceivably recite the prayer on the first day of Sukkot, but no one really wants it to rain while taking up residence in the sukkah!

The cantor wears white, as on Yom Kippur, while chanting Geshem.  Some see in this the idea that Shemini Atzeret is the conclusion of the entire Yamim Nora’im period.  Others note that the abundance or lack of rain is evidence of divine judgment, and awareness of this is underscored by wearing the color motif of the Judgment Day.  We recite the Geshem prayer for the benefit of our brothers and sisters who work Israel’s holy ground and pray that the water of their life be only a blessing—another good reason to observe Shemini Atzeret.

WHO RECITES YIZKOR?

Anyone who observes the Yahrzeit of a loved one recites Yizkor.  Whether people are at work or at home, they find the time to stop whatever they are doing and make it to the synagogue for the Yizkor prayers.  At the conclusion of Yom Tov (or before it begins), it is customary to give tzedakah in memory of our loved ones.

WHEN BUSINESS AND YIZKOR CONFLICT

Business almost always conflicts with the recitation of Yizkor.  But conflict should never keep us from doing what is right or good or holy.  In the case of Yizkor, our Tradition has a powerful lesson to teach.  Death cannot break the bonds of love.  Even following death, we lay aside whatever project has its grip on us to attend the synagogue’s Yizkor service.  The hardest part of observing Yizkor is beginning.  But those who have started have continued and have found their co-workers and their boss respecting them even more.  To let your company know that the love of family is the most important part of your life is a great message and it will only make that company happier to have you on the team.