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.