This holiday is called (Shmini) Atzeret to indicate that the Divine Presence asks us (so to speak) to stay and celebrate for one more day with Him (Atzor means to stop). The holiday of Shavuot is also called Atzeret, indicating that Shmini Atzeret is considered equal to the day of the giving of the Torah.
Candle-lighting time is 6:27 p.m. (Miami time). The candles should be lit in, or at least be visible from, the Sukkah (see below). The following two Brachot should be recited: Baruch...L’hadlik Ner Shel Yom Tov and Baruch...Shehechiyanu. This is the widespread custom and is also the Chabad custom. According to other customs, women should not say Shehechiyanu but should rather hear it when they hear kiddush.
Yizkor Candles
It is customary for those who recite Yizkor to light a 24-hour candle in memory of their departed relatives. One candle is sufficient even if one is reciting Yizkor for more than one person. No bracha (blessing) is recited over this candle. Even those who do not have to say Yizkor (thank G-d) should light a 48-hour candle to ensure that they have a flame with which to light the candles on the evening of Simchat Torah and before Shabbat.
Accepting Shmini Atzeret Early
One who accepts Shmini Atzeret early should not begin his meal until nightfall. The reason for this is that technically it is still Sukkot, and during Sukkot one must make a bracha when eating in the Sukkah. On Shmini Atzeret, however, we do not make a bracha on the Sukkah (see below). We therefore avoid this situation by not eating until nightfall.
If in the Amidah or in the Kiddush one mistakenly said “Chag HaSukkot Hazeh” (this holiday of Sukkot) instead of “Shmini Atzeret HaChag Hazeh,” (this holiday of Shmini Atzeret), he should go back and correct that mistake. If one realized his mistake after completing the Amidah or the Kiddush, there is an argument as to whether one should repeat the Amidah (or Kiddush) or not. In practice, it is best if possible to listen to the Chazan’s repetition of the Amidah (or to someone else reciting Kiddush) with the intention of fulfilling one’s obligation.
