Yom Tov Sheini was instituted at the time when Yomim Tovim were set according to Kiddush Hachodesh, and those who lived in Chutz La’aretz were unsure as to the actual date that the Bais Din in Yerushalayim declared the new month.  Although our Yomim Tovim today are set according the calendar instituted by Hillel Hazakein, the universal practice is that those in Chutz La’aretz still observe the second day of Yom Tov, including all the Mitzvos of the first day are repeated on the second day.

However, Shemini Atzeres seems to be somewhat different.  According to the definition of Yom Tov Sheini, Shemini Atzeres should be the last day of Sukkos, with all the Mitzvos and halachos that pertain to Sukkos.  Yet, we find that the Gemara seems to give Shemini Atzeres a distinct status.  This sugya discusses the background for the distinction, as well as various minhagim that have resulted from this difference.

Some questions that arise:

• ·         We don’t recite the Bracha of Leishev Basukah.  Why not?
• ·         Does one sleep in the Sukkah?
• ·         Must one continue to stay in the sukkah until the end of Shemini Atzeres, or only until after the daytime Seudah?
• ·         Would it be considered Bal Tosif if one sits in Sukkah on Shemini Atzeres during inclement weather?
• ·         What are the sources of the minhag of various communities who eat outside the Sukkah on Shemini Atzeres (i.e. not eating in the Sukkah at all, only reciting Kiddush in the Sukkah, eating only one meal in the Sukkah)?