Numbers 29:35 - “‘On the eighth day you shall have a solemn assembly: you shall do no regular work;

Generated Verse: Numbers 29:35

What does "Numbers 29:35" mean?


Numbers 29:35 is part of the instructions for the Feast of Tabernacles (also known as Sukkot), a major Jewish holiday. Let's break down what the verse means:

"On the eighth day": This refers to the day after the seven-day celebration of the Feast of Tabernacles. So, it's a separate, additional day of observance.

"you shall have a solemn assembly": A "solemn assembly" (Hebrew: atzaret) is a special gathering or convocation. It implies a time of heightened worship, prayer, and reflection. It was considered a holy convocation.

"you shall do no regular work": This is a prohibition against engaging in everyday labor or business activities. It's a day set aside for rest and spiritual focus, similar to the Sabbath. This restriction helped people to fully concentrate on the meaning and observance of the holiday.

In essence, the verse mandates a special, concluding day following the seven days of Sukkot, characterized by a holy gathering where no ordinary work is permitted.

Significance:

Distinct from Sukkot: While directly following Sukkot, the eighth day is presented as a distinct and separate holy day.
Culmination: It could be seen as the culmination or closing of the High Holy Days cycle, which began with Rosh Hashanah (the Jewish New Year).
Transition: Some interpret it as a transition back to everyday life after a period of intense religious observance.

Modern Observance:

In modern Judaism, this eighth day is known as Shemini Atzeret (literally "Eighth [Day of] Assembly"). It's followed immediately by Simchat Torah ("Rejoicing of the Torah") in the diaspora. In Israel, Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah are combined into one day.

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