Shemini Atzeret: Welcoming the Rainy Season in Israel

There is a profound connection between the restoration of thr Church of Jesus Christ, the coming forth of the Book of Mormon and the Biblical fall feast holidays of Rosh Hashanah, Sukkot, and Shemini Atzeret. 

Joseph Smith was given the golden plates upon which the Book of Mormon was translated on Rosh Hashanah, Sept. 22, 1827.  Together with the golden plates were mystical stones known as the urim and thummin used to traslate the Book of Mormon.  We learn from Lucy Mack Smith, Joseph Smith's mother, the first revelation through the Urim and Thummin, Joseph was shown Martin Harris.  Martin Harris served as a witness of Jesus Christ, special witness of the Book of Mormon, scribe to the initial translation, and principle investor in its publication.   This revelation occurred on Oct 6, 2027, which is the first day of Sukkot. Just as God provided manna to Israel in the wilderness,  God provided the means via Martin Harris to fund the translation and publication of the Book of Mormon. 

Today:, a descendant of Martin Harris, Dalin Harris Oaks, has now been ordained and sustained the 18th prophet and president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. President Oaks was ordained as prophet on October 14, 2025 which was Shemini Atzeret or the eighth day of SukkotAssembly or tarrying" where Israel prays for rain marking the start of the rainy season. 

There is a connection with Shavuot 50 days after Passover (Nisan Full Moon) but God not wanting Israel to make a separate trip to Jerusalem durring the rainy season, hastens this festival to immediately follow Sukkot instead  of 50 days after the beginning of Sukkot (Tishrei Full Moon)