Hashem wants you close on Shemini Atzeret
Hashem wants you close. You are so precious to Him!
Tonight, as Shabbat and Shemini Atzeret begin, there is a beautiful invitation waiting for us.
Rashi explains Shemini Atzeret through the image of a king who invited his children to a feast. When the time came for them to leave, he asked them to stay one more day:
״בני, בבקשה מכם, עכבו עמי עוד יום אחד״
“My children, please stay with Me one more day.”
He explains that parting from them is difficult for him. Through this beautiful image, Rashi helps us recognize how precious our closeness with Hashem is (Vayikra 23:36).
Let that enter your heart for a moment. Hashem wants you there with Him. With everything you are carrying, everything you are asking for, and everything you most deeply need—you are His beloved child.
You may be coming into the chag with gratitude and simchah. You may also be carrying a concern about someone you love, a need for healing, peace at home, or a yeshuah you have been praying for. Bring that to Hashem, from the depths of your heart, with the recognition that you can rely on His love and compassion.
You can say:
“Hashem, thank You for wanting me close to You. You know what is deepest in my heart. Please help me receive Your love, strengthen my bitachon, and bring the greatest good I most deeply need into my life. Help me stay connected to You through everything.”
During the chag, take one unhurried, undistracted moment to speak with Him like this. Let yourself be present with the words. Remember Whom you are speaking with, and how deeply you are loved.
And choose one moment you can continue each day after the chag: a few heartfelt words with Hashem in the morning, a brachah said with real presence, or a moment of gratitude before sleep. This gives the closeness of these days a place in your everyday life—something you can return to when you need strength, reassurance, and connection.
May this Shabbat and chag fill our hearts with tremendous simchah, strengthen our bitachon, and bring beautiful brachot and yeshuot to all of us!
With love and blessings,
Rabbi Rachamim Bitton
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