According to most Halachic authorities, it is proper to eat in the Sukkah on Shmini Atzeret, if one is in the diaspora, just as one does on Sukkot, albeit without the bracha of leisheiv ba’Sukkah. The reason for this is that outside of Israel, every day of Yom Tov is treated as if it might be the previous day. We cannot, however, say the bracha of leisheiv basukah since it is actually the holiday of Shmini Atzeret when one is not obligated to eat in the Sukkah (by Torah law). Thus, reciting the bracha would denigrate the holiday of Shmini Atzeret.
- Regarding one who sleeps in the Sukkah on Sukkot, some say that one should not sleep in the Sukkah on Shmini Atzeret as this would demean the holiday of Shmini Atzeret, while others say that one should sleep in the Sukkah on Shmini Atzeret.
- Some say that while one should eat grain foods in the Sukkah on Shmini Atzeret, one need not eat non-grain foods in the Sukkah, although during Sukkot it is a mitzvah to eat these as well in the Sukkah. The Chabad custom, however, is to be particular on Shmini Atzeret and eat and drink everything (including water) in the Sukkah.
- The custom of many Chassidic communities is to make kiddush and have mezonot in the Sukkah and eat the rest of the meal indoors.
- The Talmud says, “The law (regarding Shemini Atzeret) is that we sit in the Sukkah, but we do not make a blessing.” As such, one should only follow the lenient opinion if this is the custom of one's family and/or community (see ibid.).
- In Israel, one need not eat in the Sukkah at all on Shmini Atzeret.
The Chabad custom is to not dip the challah in honey on Shmini Atzeret and Simchat Torah, but to dip it in salt as we do all year.
We do not say “Harachaman hu yakim lanu et Sukkat David hanofalet” when reciting Birkat HaMazon on Shmini Atzeret.
