Observances and Customs
The Torah only includes a limited direct reference to Shemini Atzeret: its date (relative to Sukkot) and its restrictions on work (similar to other Festival days). The Talmud describes happiness (שמחה, simcha) and recitation of Hallel as the two obligations of Sukkot that carry over to Shemini Atzeret. As a proof text, at least in regard to Shemini Atzeret evening, the Gemara brings the text at Deuteronomy 16:15: "והיית אך שמח" ("v'hayyita akh sameaḥ", "and you shall be completely happy").
The Vilna Gaon notes that the commandment to rejoice over the seven days of Sukkot is stated twice in this paragraph of the Torah. In this context, he wonders what the further purpose of "v'hayyita akh sameaḥ" is, especially as akh is normally used as a restricting word. He introduces the notion that just as one rejoices during the seven days with sukkah, lulav and etrog, so one rejoices equally on Shemini Atzeret, even without (the restriction) using sukkah, lulav and etrog on that day.
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