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Numbers 29:35 - Eighth day's holy gathering?

Numbers 29:35 - במדבר 29:35

Hebrew Text

בַּיּוֹם הַשְּׁמִינִי עֲצֶרֶת תִּהְיֶה לָכֶם כָּל־מְלֶאכֶת עֲבֹדָה לֹא תַעֲשׂוּ׃

English Translation

On the eighth day you shall have a solemn assembly: you shall do no servile work:

Transliteration

Bayom hashmini atzeret tihyeh lakhem kol-melakhet avoda lo ta'asu.

Hebrew Leining Text

בַּיּוֹם֙ הַשְּׁמִינִ֔י עֲצֶ֖רֶת תִּהְיֶ֣ה לָכֶ֑ם כׇּל־מְלֶ֥אכֶת עֲבֹדָ֖ה לֹ֥א תַעֲשֽׂוּ׃
בַּיּוֹם֙ הַשְּׁמִינִ֔י עֲצֶ֖רֶת תִּהְיֶ֣ה לָכֶ֑ם כׇּל־מְלֶ֥אכֶת עֲבֹדָ֖ה לֹ֥א תַעֲשֽׂוּ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Eighth Day Assembly (Shemini Atzeret)

The verse (Bamidbar 29:35) commands the observance of Shemini Atzeret, the "Eighth Day Assembly," following the seven days of Sukkot. Rashi explains that this day is a separate festival, distinct from Sukkot, where Hashem requests an additional day of closeness with the Jewish people—like a king who asks his departing guests to stay one more day out of affection.

Prohibition of Melachah (Servile Work)

The Torah prohibits melachah (servile work) on Shemini Atzeret, similar to other Yom Tovim. The Rambam (Hilchot Shevitat Yom Tov 1:1) clarifies that this prohibition applies to the same categories of labor forbidden on Shabbat, with exceptions for food preparation (ochel nefesh). The Talmud (Chagigah 18a) emphasizes that this day is meant for spiritual reflection and connection to Hashem, not mundane labor.

Distinctiveness from Sukkot

  • No Sukkah or Lulav: Unlike Sukkot, the mitzvot of dwelling in the sukkah and taking the Four Species (lulav, etrog, hadasim, aravot) do not apply on Shemini Atzeret (Sukkah 47a).
  • Independent Korbanot: The day has its own unique sacrificial offerings (Bamidbar 29:36-38), separate from those of Sukkot.

Spiritual Significance

The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 21:24) compares Shemini Atzeret to a concluding feast after a grand celebration, symbolizing the intimate bond between Hashem and Klal Yisrael. The Vilna Gaon notes that this day represents the culmination of the Tishrei festivals, where the spiritual achievements of Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and Sukkot are internalized.

Connection to Simchat Torah

In Eretz Yisrael, Shemini Atzeret coincides with Simchat Torah, the celebration of completing the annual Torah reading cycle. The Maharil explains that this joyous custom reflects the Torah’s central role in Jewish life, reinforcing the day’s theme of closeness to Hashem through His Torah.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Moed Katan 19a
The verse is referenced in the discussion about the prohibition of work on Shemini Atzeret, emphasizing that it is a day of solemn assembly with restrictions similar to other festival days.
📖 Chagigah 17a
The verse is cited in the context of discussing the obligations and prohibitions during the festival of Shemini Atzeret, highlighting its unique status among the holidays.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the 'eighth day' mentioned in Numbers 29:35?
A: The 'eighth day' refers to Shemini Atzeret, a holiday that immediately follows the seven days of Sukkot. According to Rashi, it is a separate festival where Hashem asks us to stay one more day for an intimate gathering ('atzeret') before we part after the pilgrimage festivals.
Q: Why is no work allowed on Shemini Atzeret?
A: The Torah prohibits 'melachah' (servile work) on Shemini Atzeret (Numbers 29:35) because it is a Yom Tov (festival). The Rambam explains that just like other major holidays, this day is set aside for spiritual connection, prayer, and joy, not for mundane labor.
Q: How is Shemini Atzeret different from Sukkot?
A: While Sukkot has specific mitzvot like dwelling in the sukkah and waving the four species (lulav, etrog, etc.), Shemini Atzeret has no unique commandments. The Talmud (Sukkah 47a) teaches that it is a separate holiday focused purely on our relationship with Hashem, without the additional rituals of Sukkot.
Q: Is Shemini Atzeret still observed today?
A: Yes! In Israel, it is a one-day Yom Tov; outside Israel, it is observed for two days (the second day is called Simchat Torah). On Shemini Atzeret, we recite the prayer for rain (Tefillat Geshem), emphasizing our dependence on Hashem for sustenance, as taught in the Mishnah (Rosh Hashanah 1:2).
Q: What is the spiritual meaning of Shemini Atzeret?
A: The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 21:24) compares it to a king who invites his children for a feast. When they prepare to leave, he says, 'Stay one more day—it is hard for me to part from you.' Similarly, after the intense spiritual experiences of the High Holidays and Sukkot, Hashem gives us Shemini Atzeret for one final day of closeness before returning to ordinary life.