SHEMINI ATZERES AS AN INDEPENDENT HOLIDAY

Chaza"l (Sukka 48a Rosh hashana 4b Yoma 3a) noted Shemini Atzeres's independence from Sukkos, and listed six halachos regarding which this holiday stands separate from Sukkos.

פז"ר קש"ב

• פית
  Lottery

  A separate lottery was conducted on Shemini Atzeres to determine which Kohanim would offer the bulls of the Musaf sacrifice (Sukka 55b). The lottery conducted on Sukkos did not relate to the allocation of duties for Shemini Atzeres, for which a separate lottery occurred.

• זמן
  Shehechiyanu

  The occasion of Shemini Atzeres requires the recitation of the beracha of "Shehechiyanu"; as opposed to the seventh day of Pesach, which exists only as the last day of Pesach with no independent identity, and therefore warrants no new beracha.

• רגל

  Various interpretations have been suggested for this ambiguous expression. They include:

  1. There is no requirement to eat in the Sukka (Rashi, Sukka 58a);
  2. Shemini Atzeres does not receive the title "Chag Ha-Sukkos" in our prayers (Rashi, Rosh Hashana 4b as explained by Meiri);
  3. As with other holidays it cancels a period of mourning (Rabbenu Chananel, Rif);
  4. One is required to stay overnight in Yerushalayim following Shemini Atzeres (Tosafos);
  5. Does not require Lulav, Aravah, or Sukkah (Tosfos Ri);
  6. New requirement of visiting one's Rav (Gilyoni haShas);
  7. Counts as an independent holiday for the three-festival time limit of an individual who vowed to bring a sacrifice to the Beis HaMikdash plus regarding Tashulmim (Ramban).
• קרבן
  Musaf offering

  The Musaf sacrifice of Shemini Atzeres stands separate from that of the rest of Sukkos, as only one bull is offered. (According to the descending progression of bulls for the sacrifice during Sukkos, six bulls would have been required on Shemini Atzeres.)

• שיר
  Special Psalm

  The Levites sang a special Psalm on Shemini Atzeres (Tehillim 12), rather than following the pattern of the rest of Sukkos (Sukka 55a).

• בכרה
  Blessing

  Rashi understands this as a reference to the blessing recited by the king on the festivals; Tosafos point to the requirement to mention the festival in Birkas Hamazon & Tefillah (by adding "Ya'aleh Veyavo").

R' David Feldman of Liptzig explained that the words “Pazar kashav” also have an important meaning, which is very relevant to the Yom Tov of Shemini Atzeres. The Gemara tells us that as punishment for withholding tzedaka from the poor, HaShem withholds the rains from us (see Taanis 8). On Shemini Atzeres we begin to daven for rain. “Pazar” means to distribute. “Kashav” means to heed. Thus, when we distribute charity to the poor, HaShem heeds our prayers for rain.