Tonight we celebrate Shemini Atzeret. The Hebrew word “Shemini” means “eight” and it comes from the same root as “shuman” meaning “fat” or “rich.” The Hebrew word “Atzeret” can mean “retention,absorption, or restraint; also in gathering or assembly.”
Rashi explains the significance of this day with a parable.
There was once a king who invited his children for a seven day banquet. When it came time to go, he said to them:”my children please stay with me one more day, your parting is difficult for me.”
It’s been almost a month in which we have been with H”S every day, know the time has come to go back to our regular lives and it is hard for H”S to let go of us.
Excerpts taken from “60 Days…” by Rabbi Simon Jacobson
Chag Sameach
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