106

To rest on Shemini Atzeret

The Luchos - Ten Commandments
מִצְוָה עֲשֵׂה - Positive Commandment
מִצְוָה לֹא תַעֲשֶׂה - Negative Commandment
Holidays – חֲגִים

Rest from labor on Shemini Atzeret.

This mitzvah commands us to rest from labor on Shemini Atzeret, the festival immediately following Sukkot. Unlike the days of Sukkot, which are tied to the sukkah and four species, Shemini Atzeret is distinct, symbolizing an intimate gathering between Hashem and Israel after the cycle of festivals. The day is devoted to rest, prayer, and rejoicing, acknowledging Hashem’s closeness to His people.

Commentary & Classical Explanation:

  • Rambam (Hilchot Yom Tov 6:1): Rules that Shemini Atzeret has its own sanctity, independent of Sukkot, with the same obligation of rest as other Yamim Tovim.
  • Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 329): The root is to mark the conclusion of the festival season with a day of unique holiness, reflecting Hashem’s desire for Israel to remain close.
  • Talmud (Sukkah 48a–b): Identifies Shemini Atzeret as “a festival unto itself,” underscoring its independent status despite its connection to Sukkot.
(Source: Chabad.org)
שִׁבְעַ֣ת יָמִ֔ים תַּקְרִ֥יבוּ אִשֶּׁ֖ה לַיהֹוָ֑ה בַּיּ֣וֹם הַשְּׁמִינִ֡י מִקְרָא־קֹ֩דֶשׁ֩ יִהְיֶ֨ה לָכֶ֜ם וְהִקְרַבְתֶּ֨ם אִשֶּׁ֤ה לַֽיהֹוָה֙ עֲצֶ֣רֶת הִ֔וא כׇּל־מְלֶ֥אכֶת עֲבֹדָ֖ה לֹ֥א תַעֲשֽׂוּ׃ - פָּרָשַׁת אֱמוֹר
Leviticus 23:36 - "[For] a seven day period, you shall bring a fire offering to the Lord. On the eighth day, it shall be a holy occasion for you, and you shall bring a fire offering to the Lord. It is a [day of] detention. You shall not perform any work of labor."

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Holidays - חַגִּים

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Mitzvot related to the Jewish festivals — their observance, rituals, prohibitions, and spiritual significance. This includes Torah-commanded holidays like Pesach, Shavuot, and Sukkot, as well as rabbinic celebrations such as Purim and Chanukah.

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Holiness - קְדֻשָּׁה

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Represents the concept of  spiritual intentionality, purity, and sanctity—set apart for a higher purpose.

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