Shemini Atzeret (“The Eighth Day of Assembly”) celebrated on the 22nd day of the Hebrew month of Tishri, right after the Festival of Sukkot. According to the Torah (BeMidbar) – “On the eighth day you should hold a solemn gathering; you shall not work at your occupation”.
Rabbinic tradition teaches that on Shemini Atzeret the world is judged for water, or rainfall, in the upcoming year. In an agricultural society it was a very important day. It is on this day that we begin to ask for rain – Teffilat Geshrem.
The prayer for rain begins on Shemini Atzeret and goes until Passover.
It is traditional to include Yizkor (a memorial service) during this day.
Shmini Atzeret Happens at sundown on:
| 16 October 2022 | 22 Tishrei 5783 |
| 6 October 2023 | 22 Tishrei 5784 |
| 23 October 2024 | 22 Tishrei 5785 |
| 13 October 2025 | 22 Tishrei 5786 |
| 2 October 2026 | 22 Tishrei 5787 |
| 22 October 2027 | 22 Tishrei 5788 |
| 11 October 2028 | 22 Tishrei 5789 |
| 30 September 2029 | 22 Tishrei 5790 |