Why does the Torah juxtapose "Shiv'as Yamim" to Kol Meleches Avodah Lo Sa'asu (in the previous Pasuk)?
Chagigah,18a: To incorporate Chol ha'Mo'ed in the Isur Melachah. 1
What are the connotations of "Atzeres Hi" in connection with Shemini Atzeres?
Rashi (citing Midrash Rabah): It means to stay back an extra day. 1
Ramban #2 (According to Kabalah): The first seven days of Sukos represent this world, with its various manifestations, and Shemini Atzeres, Olam ha'Ba, 2 where the physical world will come to an end. 3
Rashbam: It means holding back from work.
Seforno: It means to gather together to Daven, to study Torah or to serve Hashem communally in some other way in order to terminate the Chagim with a Simchah of Torah and good deeds. 4
Targum Yonasan: It means to gather together to pray for rain. 5
Rashi: This can be compared to a king who invited his sons for a few days of feasting. When the festivities ended, he said to them 'My sons, I ask of you that you stay back another day, because it is hard for me to take leave of you!' See Oznayim la'Torah, who comments how people tend to take good or bad things more to heart when they come to an end - and Hashem follows suite ('Ani le'Dodi ve'Dodi li'!)
Ramban: In similar vein, Shabbos, the seventh day. ended the creation, and when Yisrael became its partner and kept it, it transcended this world and turned into the number eight (See Ramban).
Ramban: In similar fashion, Pesach, (incorporating the entire seven days of Yom-Tov) represents the creation of this world) and Yom Matan Torah, the eighth day (following the seven weeks of the Omer) - when the physical world would have come to an end, had they not subsequently worshipped the Golden Calf - and like the intermediate days of Sukos, the period in between Pesach and Shavu'os are considered Chol ha'Mo'ed. And this explains why Chazal refer to Shau'os as 'Atzeres' (See Ramban). Refer also to 23:36:1:4*.
Seforno: As the Pasuk indicates in Tehilim, 149b. See also Iyov, 1:5. See also Seforno as to why the Torah (in Devarim 16:8) also refers to the seventh day of Pesach as "Atzeres", and why the Chachamim refer to Shavu'os as 'Atzeres' whereas the Torah does not. Refer also to 23:36:1:2**.
Seeing as the rain season is due to begin in two weeks' time, on the seventh of Mar-Cheshvan ? See Peirush Yonasan. See also Na'ar Yonasan, who inverts the wording in Targum Yonasan on this Pasuk.
What is the definition of "Meleches Avodah"?
Rashi: It means even work that is crucial, that will cause a loss if not performed.
What does the word "Hi" come to preclude?
Rashi: It comes to preclude Chol ha'Mo'ed, on which 'Meleches Avodah' is permitted.
Why does the Torah write "Vehikravtem Isheh la'Hashem" in connection with Shemini Atzeres independently?
Oznayim la'Torah: Because the Korban Musaf of Shemini Atzeres differs from that of the seven days of Sukos, as will be clarified in the ensuing Pesukim.
Rashi gives a parable - Hashem tells Yisrael to stay another day, for it is hard for Him that we leave. Why is this only at the end of Sukos?
Hadar Zekenim: In the parable, the king asked when they will return. When he heard that [after Sukos] they will not return until seven 1 months, he asked them to stay another day.
Perhaps this is when they know that it will be a leap year. Even in a regular year, when it is only six months, we stay an extra day! Perhaps the text should say 'six', or 'the seventh month'. (PF)
The Gemara in Megilah 3b calls Shavu'os 'Atzeres'. What is the source for this in the Torah?
Hadar Zekenim #1: The Targum of "bi'Shavu'oseichem" (Bamidbar 28:26) is "be'Atzartechon."
Hadar Zekenim #2: It is called 'Atzeres' because when Yisrael received the Torah on Shavu'os, they were Ne'etzru (held back) from their wives [beforehand].
