This Shabbos, Jewish communities in the Diaspora celebrate Shemini Atzeret, the holiday that immediately follows the seven days of Sukkot. After a week filled with festive meals in the sukkah, taking the four species, and welcoming guests, the Torah introduces a holiday that stands on its own, “On the eighth day, you shall have a restraint (atzeret); you shall do no mundane work” (Numbers 29:35). The name Atzeret comes from a Hebrew root meaning to pause, hold back, or remain. Rashi, drawing on the Midrash, explains the holiday with a parable of a king who invites his children to a feast lasting several days. When the time comes for them to leave, the king asks them to stay with him for one more day because their departure is difficult for him. Unlike Sukkot, Shemini Atzeret has no special commandment like dwelling in the sukkah or taking the lulav. After days of activity, the holiday asks us to stop doing and simply remain. The focus shifts from the public rituals of Sukkot to the clo...
As technology continues to reshape our lives, the timeless lessons of Torah remain as relevant as ever. Kosher Food for Thought explores the weekly Torah portion through the lens of the digital age, reflecting on the ethical, technological, and societal challenges of an increasingly connected world. Each reflection offers an opportunity to think a little deeper about the intersection of faith, technology, and human responsibility. ~Jon Suson