Rastafari Shemini Atzeret | 8th Day Assembly | 2016-10-24 | # BlackJews @ LOJS

Shemini Atzeret: 8th Day Assembly following the 7 days of Sukkot. The Hebrew word Atzar means to "hold back". The Sages interpreted this to mean that GOD asks all who made pilgrimage for Sukkot to abide with Him one additional day. You may compare it to a King who had held a festival for seven days and invited all of the country's inhabitants (the nations of the world) to the seven days of feasting. When the seven days of feasting were over, He said to his friend (Israel), 'Let us now have a small meal together, just you and I' (Bamidbar Rabbah 21, Sukkah 55b)" (p. 98). The image of abiding with the Lord beyond the full 7 days of Sukkot is that of Eternity.

Torah Reading:

• Deuteronomy 14:22-16:17 / Numbers 29:35-30:1

Prophets Reading 

• 1 Kings 8:54-66

New Testament Reading

• Matthew 17:1-9 / Mark 12:28-33

Portion Outline : TORAH

• Deuteronomy 14:22 | Tithes
• Deuteronomy 15:1 | The Sabbatic Year
• Deuteronomy 16:1 | The Passover
• Deuteronomy 16:3 | Unleavened Bread
• Deuteronomy 16:9 | The Feast of Weeks
• Numbers  29:35 | The Eighth Day Assembly

Portion Outline: PROPHETS

• 1 Kings 8:54 | Solomon's Blessing after the Prayer
• 1 Kings 8:62 | Sacrifice & Rejoicing

Portion Outline: New Testament

• Matthew 17:1 | The Mount of Transfiguration
• Mark 12:28 | The Great Commandments