Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Shemini Atzeret: Stay just a little bit longer!

Hi,

Regarding the meaning of the holiday of Shmini Atzeret, which is celebrated this coming Wednesday night and Thursday:

"I have kept you with Me, like a king who invites his children for a feast which lasts for a certain number of days, and then asks, 'Please stay with me an extra day, your departure pains me,' when they prepare to leave."

עצרתי אתכם אצלי כמלך שזימן את בניו לסעודה לכך וכך ימים, כיון שהגיע זמנן להפטר אמר בני בבקשה מכם, עכבו עמי עוד יום אחד, קשה עלי פרידתכם 

(Rashi to Vayikra 23:36, citing a Midrash - you might also click on the "Shemini Atzeret" label to see other posts regarding the meaning of this day)

מועדים לשמחה,
Mordechai

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