The last days of Sukkot are named differently. They are called Hoshana Rabbah and Shemini Atzeret. Simchat Torah is a holiday on its own and follows Sukkot. Yom Tov begins again on the night of Wednesday, October 3rd and candle lighting is at 6:17 pm. On the second day, Thursday, October 4th we light at 7:14 pm. We light Shabbat candles on October 5th at 6:13 pm.
A) The fifth day of Chol Hamoed is Hoshana Rabbah. It is customary to stay awake the preceding night and study Torah (reading Tehilim and finishing the entire book is also good). We stay up because on Sukkot we are judged for the amount of rain we will receive, and our lives depend on water. Also, this is the last time to change the judgement that was made on Rosh Hashanah. On Rosh Hashanah, Hashem writes how our year will be. Then on Yom Kippur, it’s sealed, but the decree is sent out after Hoshana Rabbah. It's just like a letter--- first you write it (Rosh Hashana), then you seal it (Yom Kippur), and then you send it out (Hoshana Rabah). So this is the last chance to change the decree. (This year, we stay up on Tuesday, October 2nd, you can join torahanytime for an all night lecture presentations in Bet Gavriel, it will begin at 11:45pm).
B) It is a custom to add aravot to the bundle of Lulav.
C) On the night of Shemini Atzeret, we say “Shehecheyanu” on Kiddush, but we don’t say the beracha of “Leishav baSukkah” even though we eat in the Sukkah.
D) The last day is also Shemini Atzeret. However, it's called Simchat Torah because we finish reading the entire Torah and start again from the beginning. We show to Hashem that we are happy and we dance with the Torah in shul. It’s a very happy holiday, and we should rejoice as much as possible. We also make a big meal to celebrate.
E) In Israel, Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah are one day. Since we live in America we have it as two days. Therefore, on Simchat Torah, we don’t eat in the sukkah.
P.S. If you have any questions feel free to email: sitzhaki02@sprintpcs.com
Chag Kasher V'Sameach!!!
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