Rav-Elations!: Succot Is Over…For Some

By RABBI DAVID GERBER

Succot is clearly defined by the Torah as a seven day observance. Following Succot is Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah. When these occur, however, depends on where you are. Shemini Atzeret literally means “the eighth day of assembly.”

Some communities outside of Israel consider this the eighth day of Succot. This comes from the practice of diaspora communities adding an extra day to most holidays. Israeli Jews and Reform Jews will celebrate Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah together beginning tonight at sunset, whereas Conservative and Orthodox communities may do these as two separate days.

Rabbi David Gerber is the senior rabbi of the URJ’s Congregation Gates of Prayer (Sha’arai Tefillah) in Metairie.