Torah Thoughts
Jewish prayer and practice around the world is geared toward the weather as it should be in Israel. On Shmini Atzeret, we stop referring to G-d as the “one who brings dew,” and begin referring to Him as the “one who makes the wind blow and the rain fall.” As such, the Parsha Noshes for Shmini Atzeret show rain clouds, with rain falling (notice it is windy, and the rain is blowing somewhat sideways).
Shmini Atzeret can be a very confusing holiday. It is sort of part of Sukkot, but is really a separate holiday. Or is it two? In Israel it is celebrated together with its flashier brother, Simchat Torah. In the diaspora, they are not two days of a single Yom Tov, but two separate holidays. Still figuring that out, but a brief explanation can be found here: What Is Shemini Atzeret / Simchat Torah? – An overview of the traditions and customs of Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah – Chabad.org
