The Torah tells us that after Adam and Chava sinned, Hashem banished them from the Garden of Eden: “Therefore, Hashem sent him out of the Garden of Eden, to till the ground from where he was taken.” (Bereishis 3:23) Yet immediately before describing their banishment, the Torah tells us something surprising: “And Hashem made Adam and his wife coats of skins, and clothed them.” (Bereishis 3:21) The Midrash offers a remarkable interpretation of these garments. By substituting th

The Torah says: “For seven days, you shall bring a fire-offering to Hashem; the eighth day shall be for you a holy assembly, and you shall bring a fire-offering to Hashem. It is an Atzeres—you shall not do any laborious work.” (Vayikra 23:36) The Torah uses the unusual word Atzeres (עצרת) to describe the final day of the Succos holiday. We therefore call this holiday Shemini Atzeres, literally, “the eighth day of assembly.” Why does the Torah use this unusual term to describe