Shemini Aseret: Difference between revisions

# We do not take the 4 minim on Shemini Atzeret.<ref> Gemara Sukkah 47a. Tosafot d"h Maitav explain that the eighth day of Sukkot differs from the eighth day of Pesach in that the eighth day of Sukkot is Shemini Atzeret, which is a Yom Tov that in many ways enjoys a separate and distinct identity from Sukkot.  Were we to observe the Mitzvot of the seventh day of Sukkot on Shemini Atzeret, we would undermine the integrity of Shemini Atzeret.  We do not take the Lulav on Shemini Atzeret, because the Lulav is ordinarily Muktza.  Thus, taking the Lulav on Shemini Atzeret would make a blatant statement of concern that it is actually the seventh day of Sukkot. The Kesef Mishneh (commenting on Rambam Hilchot Sukkah 6:13) offers a different explanation for why we do not take a Lulav on Shemini Atzeret.  He notes that it is only a rabbinical obligation to take the Lulav on the seventh day of Sukkot.  Biblically, we are only obligated to take the Lulav on the first day of Sukkot if one is outside of the Bait Hamikdash and seven days if one is inside the Bait Hamikdash (see Vayikra 23:40 and Sukkah 41a). The Kesef Mishna argues that the obligations of Yom Tov Sheni do not apply to Lulav because the obligation is only rabbinic in nature</ref>