Sitting in the succah on Shemini Atzeret

Hi,

There are various customs regarding sitting in the Succah on Shemini Atzeret. On one hand, this day is considered an extension of the 7th day of Succot due to ancient calendar issues. On the other hand, this day is Shemini Atzeret, a day of Yom Tov and no longer part of Succot - and one is not allowed to add to the mitzvah of sitting in the Succah for seven days, and sitting in the succah would flout the Yom Tov character of the day.

One who does not have an existing custom, and whose community does not have a dominant practice, should follow the recommendation of the Code of Jewish Law and Mishneh Berurah, and sit in the Succah for the meals of Shemini Atzeret. Note, though, that those who sit in the Succah do not recite the blessing associated with sitting in the Succah (Leisheiv baSuccah); reciting such a berachah would be a powerful denial of the Yom Tov aspect of the day.

(Code of Jewish Law Orach Chaim 668:1; Mishneh Berurah 668:7)

Moadim l'simchah,
Mordechai