B"H

Friday, Tishrei 12, 5779 / September 21, 2018

Sunday night begins the festive holiday of Sukkot.  This holiday is celebrated eight days in Israel and nine days in the Diaspora. 

In Israel the eighth day of Sukkot is called Shmini Atzeret/Simchat Torah. In the Diaspora, the eighth day of the holiday is Shmini Atzeret and the ninth day is Simchat Torah.

During the first seven days of Sukkot, we eat our meals in the Sukkah. Many also sleep in the Sukkah.  Some eat in the Sukkah also on the eighth day.

During Sukkot (excluding Shabbat) we also perform the mitzvah of reciting the blessing over the Lulav and Etrog.

This mitzvah consists of the following four kinds; Etrog (citron); Lulav (palm branch); Haddasim (myrtle branches) and Aravot (willow branches).  The Lulav, the three Hadasim and the two Aravot are bound together and held in the right hand. The Etrog is held in the left hand. We recite the blessing over them, put the Etrog together with the other ones, then shake them. This mitzvah symbolizes unity amongst the Jewish people.

Although Sukkot is one of three festive holidays, only the holiday of Sukkot is called "Z'man Simchateinu" - "Season of our rejoicing."  The festivity during Sukkot, Shmini Atzeret and Simchat Torah is much more than the other holidays.

Q. Why is Sukkot considered, "Season of our rejoicing," more than the other holidays?

A.  Three times the Torah mentions and commands us to be joyful and rejoice during Sukkot. Since the Torah repeats three times to be joyful on Sukkot, the holiday became known as "Z'man Simchateinu" - "Season of our rejoicing."  

The next "festive" holiday after Sukkot will be Passover. From Sukkot to Passover is the longest spread between holidays. Thus we must absorb as much joy and spiritual uplifting as possible during Sukkot, Shmini Atzeret and Simchat Torah so it will last throughout the winter, until Passover.  

Our sages explain that joy and happiness is necessary to perform mitzvot and overcome the Yetzer Hara (evil inclination). When two people are engaged in battle, if one feels dejected, he will lose; while the one who feels happy, elated and excited will win. Similarly, if we approach life with confidence in G-d and happiness, we have a much better chance of overcoming all the physical and spiritual obstacles which are placed in our path. 

SHABBAT SHALOM

Montrealcandle time: 6:36 / Shabbat ends: 7:36