Simchat Sukkot
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SUKKOT 5767
The Torah teaches us that each Yom Tov has its specific energy and focus. Pesach is related to internal freedom and release from the bonds that limit our connectedness to Hashem. Shavuot renews within each Jew the tools to connect to Hashem in His chosen vessel of Torah, and Sukkot rejoices us in Hashem’s close and loving embrace.
“ V’Samachta B’Chagecha”, You Shall Rejoice In Your Holy Days is a Torah command. Halachically, this means that we are to invest time and effort to beautify the holiday physicaly, with good food and new clothing. Simchas Yom Tov also means we have to prepare some tidbits for the soul to enjoy. This opens our homes to guests, and to meditating on the essential Mitzvas Hayom.
Sukkot is a time of special rejoicing. The Torah mentions Simcha three times when referring to the attitude we need to develop for Sukkot. One of the ways a Jew opens to Simcha is through song and dance, which is how we celebrate Simchat Torah, the culmination of Sukkot.
The simplest and most natural Simchas Hachayim is found in children. Our young ones, generally unaffected by the spiritual pollution of the outside world, are tuned into the natural joy of just living. They smile unaffectedly, laugh with passion and dance and run around without concern for how it looks to others. Children are pure and holy vessels, waiting to be filled with whatever attitudes and ideas their parents choose. Read more
