Why is the celebration of Sukkos and Simchas Torah greater than the joy of Pesach and Shavuos? The Rebbe’s deeper look into the Midrash on the issue will shed light on the true reason.
THE THREEFOLD JOY AFTER THE REAL TEST
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United with G-d and Each Other
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When Prime Minister Begin assumed him post, he held an open house to meet all of the citizens of the country. Pretty quickly, however, his security detail brought it to an end. Sukkos is G-d’s open house. But Shmini Atzeres is exclusive.
BE A SIMCHAT TORAH JEW
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American Jews choose Yom Kippur, and Russian Jews choose Simchas Torah. Who is right? The answer lies in a story of the Rebbe, and the differences in the behavior of King Saul and King David.
WHY DO WE SAY L’CHAIM ON SIMCHAS TORAH?
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There is a unique element to the celebration of Simchas Torah; unlike other major Jewish holidays, it’s a completely man-made celebration. What does that tell us?
Falling in Love with the Torah
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Dancing with our articles of faith is a uniquely Jewish custom. Why indeed do we dance with something which, for the most part, obligates us? The answer lies in the Jewish DNA.
MAKING OTHERS HAPPY
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When a young girl requested a pareve ice cream recipe, the Rebbe saw it as a legitimate avenue to strengthen her Judaism. One of the customs of the pilgrims to Jerusalem would be to bring their Maaser, and recite a special prayer of thanks in the Temple. One of the verses they would recite was essentially, “I was joyful and I brought joy to others.” The key is: bring them joy, on their level.
The Israelite’s “Motorcade” in the desert
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The Jewish people have been led by single leaders and by pairs. But in the desert, they were led by a trio, Moshe, Aharon and Miriam. Aharon, and his special contribution to the Israelites in the desert, has a unique connection to Sukkot
Behind Enemy Lines
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Martha Cohen survived the Holocaust and even served as a spy behind German lines. Her experience in Nazi-occupied France has an important message which is associated with the holiday of Sukkot.
A Holiday Gift from G-d
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Each holiday, men are obligated to buy gifts for their wives to enhance their holiday joy. There is also a spiritual side: there are spiritual gifts we can give to G-d as well.
Sacrificing for Other Jews
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Golda Meir was asked by IDF soldiers during the Yom Kippur War, “What is the point of this sacrifice?” She answered with a poignant story about the resilience of the Jewish people in the Soviet Union, and helped them see the bigger picture. On Sukkos, according to Rabbi Akiva, we celebrate the resilience of the Jewish people in the desert. Remember – whenever faced with a decision about Jewish...