The Torah tells us regarding the YomTov of Sukkos, “U’lekactem lachem b’yom harishon – take for yourself on the first day”. The Medrash explains that the reason that Sukkos is referred to as the “first day” is because it is the first day of the tabulation of sins for the upcoming year. Even though the hallowed day of Yom Kippur was four days prior nevertheless Sukkos has been designated as the first day! 

 

This can be best understood with an insight into Yom Kippur and the kinship one attains on that day with HaShem Himself. The Rabeinu Yonah is his classic sefer, “Sha’arei Teshuva,” explains that one of the reasons there is a mitzva to eat on Erev Yom Kippur is because we are ecstatic and overjoyed that HaShem affords us the opportunity of ridding ourselves of our evil past and actions. This beckons a festive meal to celebrate. This elation and delight does not end with the shofar sounding at the culmination of Yom Kippur – it continues and extends into the YomTov of Sukkos. On Yom Kippur we became “Ba’alei Teshuva,” drawing ever so close to HaShem in renewing our commitment to follow in his precepts. On Sukkos, HaShem invites us to sit in His shade, under His wings, in His Sukka! HaShem is so close to us that he provides us the unique opportunity to do a mitzvah with our entire body! It is this jubilation that is “Zman Simchaseinu.”

 

The challenge of every Jew is to maintain this spiritual height throughout the cold winter. Sukkos thus symbolically becomes the first day of this ever so difficult quest. May we be zoche to internalize this joy, keeping us close to HaShem;  so that others can feel it and learn from it as well.

 

Have a wonderful YomTov – enjoy the quality time with the boys!

Rabbi Katzenstein

 

 

 

The Torah tells us regarding the YomTov of Sukkos, “U’lekactem lachem b’yom harishon – take for yourself on the first day”. The Medrash explains that the reason that Sukkos is referred to as the “first day” is because it is the first day of the tabulation of sins for the upcoming year. Even though the hallowed day of Yom Kippur was four days prior nevertheless Sukkos has been designated as the first day! 

 

This can be best understood with an insight into Yom Kippur and the kinship one attains on that day with HaShem Himself. The Rabeinu Yonah is his classic sefer, “Sha’arei Teshuva,” explains that one of the reasons there is a mitzva to eat on Erev Yom Kippur is because we are ecstatic and overjoyed that HaShem affords us the opportunity of ridding ourselves of our evil past and actions. This beckons a festive meal to celebrate. This elation and delight does not end with the shofar sounding at the culmination of Yom Kippur – it continues and extends into the YomTov of Sukkos. On Yom Kippur we became “Ba’alei Teshuva,” drawing ever so close to HaShem in renewing our commitment to follow in his precepts. On Sukkos, HaShem invites us to sit in His shade, under His wings, in His Sukka! HaShem is so close to us that he provides us the unique opportunity to do a mitzvah with our entire body! It is this jubilation that is “Zman Simchaseinu.”

 

The challenge of every Jew is to maintain this spiritual height throughout the cold winter. Sukkos thus symbolically becomes the first day of this ever so difficult quest. May we be zoche to internalize this joy, keeping us close to HaShem;  so that others can feel it and learn from it as well.

 

Have a wonderful YomTov – enjoy the quality time with the boys!

Rabbi Katzenstein