When is Shemini Atzeret 2027?
Shemini Atzeret 2027 begins at sundown on Friday, October 22, 2027, and ends at nightfall on Saturday, October 23, 2027. The holiday falls on 22 Tishrei 5788 on the Hebrew calendar.
Shemini Atzeret 2027 dates at a glance
| Detail | 2027 |
|---|---|
| Begins | Friday, October 22, at sundown |
| Ends | Saturday, October 23, at nightfall |
| Hebrew date | 22 Tishrei 5788 |
| Simchat Torah (Diaspora) | Saturday evening, October 23 to Sunday night, October 24 |
A Jewish academic calendar lists Sukkot as running from Friday sunset, October 15, to Friday night, October 22, 2027, with Shemini Atzeret starting that same Friday sunset. The two holidays connect directly, with no gap between them. bjf
Exact candle-lighting times depend on your city. Check Chabad’s candle-lighting tool for your location.
Can you work or cook on Shemini Atzeret 2027?
No. Shemini Atzeret is a full festival day, so the usual Yom Tov rules apply. In 2027 it also coincides with Shabbat, which adds further limits.
On a festival, cooking and carrying outdoors are generally permitted, unless the day is also Shabbat. That means no outdoor carrying this year without an eruv. Check with your rabbi or local community for specifics.
Also see: Complete List of Jewish Holidays in 2027
What is Shemini Atzeret?
Shemini Atzeret means “the Eighth [day] of Assembly.” It’s celebrated on the 22nd of Tishrei, right after Sukkot.
It’s a separate festival, not just an extra day of Sukkot. Counting from the first day of Sukkot, it’s the eighth day, which is where the name comes from.
Rabbi Levi Druk of Chabad of Downtown Baltimore described the mood as a smaller gathering after a big celebration. The seven days of Sukkot are the large wedding feast, and Shemini Atzeret is the quiet time when the guests stay a little longer. That’s a paraphrase of his comparison in Jewish Times coverage.
How is Shemini Atzeret observed?
The holiday has few ritual objects but several distinct customs. Here are the main ones.
1. The prayer for rain (Geshem)
A special prayer for rain is added to the repetition of the Musaf prayer. It starts a period of added requests for rain that lasts until Passover.
The timing follows the seasons in Israel. The prayer begins at the end of Sukkot and stops before Passover, because ancient pilgrims to Jerusalem didn’t want rain during either festival.
2. Yizkor, the memorial prayer
Yizkor is recited in the synagogue after the Torah reading. It’s said four times a year: Passover, Shavuot, Yom Kippur, and Shemini Atzeret.
In some communities, people who will say Yizkor for a deceased parent light a 24-hour yahrtzeit candle before the holiday begins.
3. Eating in the sukkah, without the blessing
The blessing for the sukkah is not recited, since it’s no longer Sukkot. Customs differ on whether to use the sukkah at all. Some people skip it, while others keep eating and making Kiddush there.
The Four Kinds (lulav and etrog) are not taken, and Sukkot is no longer mentioned in the day’s prayers.
4. Candle lighting and Kiddush
Because Shemini Atzeret falls on a Friday night in 2027, the candle blessing combines Shabbat and the holiday. The blessing refers to lighting the lights of Shabbat and of Yom Tov. You can find the full text in Chabad’s Shemini Atzeret guide.
5. Hakafot in some communities
Hakafot (dancing with the Torah) usually happens on the eve of Simchat Torah and again the next morning. In Chassidic communities, it’s also held on the eve of Shemini Atzeret.
The 2027 High Holiday season timeline
Use this to plan the fall holiday stretch:
- Rosh Hashanah: Friday sunset, October 1, to Sunday night, October 3
- Yom Kippur: Sunday sunset, October 10, to Monday night, October 11
- Sukkot: Friday sunset, October 15, to Friday night, October 22
- Shemini Atzeret: Friday sunset, October 22, to Saturday sunset, October 23
- Simchat Torah: Saturday sunset, October 23, to Sunday night, October 24
FAQs
Is Shemini Atzeret 2027 on a Saturday?
Yes. It begins Friday evening, October 22, and runs through Saturday, October 23, so it coincides with Shabbat.
Is Shemini Atzeret 2027 a Jewish holiday or part of Sukkot?
It’s its own holiday. It follows Sukkot immediately but has separate observances.
Is it one day or two?
Outside Israel, Shemini Atzeret is followed by Simchat Torah, so the combined observance spans two days. In Israel, it’s one.
Sources for further reading: Hebcal, Chabad.org, My Jewish Learning, and Exploring Judaism.
For local practice questions, check with your community’s rabbi.