THE JOY OF SHEMINI ATZERES AND SIMCHAS TORAH

Dear Family,

I hope that everyone is well and enjoying Sukkos!

Thank you to all the Family in California who are making us feel so welcome!

We are now moving towards the last days of Sukkos, which is Shemini Atzeret and Simchas Torah, when we REJOICE WITH THE SFREI TORAH, by dancing with them.

I saw a summary of a sichah of the Rebbe (Simchas Torah 1978) which gives us a deeper understanding of this rejoicing, which I wanted to share

The verse Ata horaysa.is the first verse that we recite of 17, in preparation for dancing and REJOICING with the SIFREI TORAH at Hakafos on Shemini Atzeret and Simchas Torah.

Its translation is "You have been shown to know, that Hashem is G-d, there is none else besides Him."

Rashi comments "......and Hashem revealed that He is Yachid", ie the only true existent entity in creation.

This awareness will motivate us to carry out Hashem's will, regardless of our own desires (Since He is the only real entity in creation, and therefore it is impossible to transgress His Will).

Each of the above-mentioned 17 verses express reasons for the SIMCHAH on Shemini Atzeres and Simchas Torah.

And in addition, the numerical value of 17 is equal to the word TOV (GOOD), and the Talmud explains that "There is no good other than Torah"

The Baal Shem Tov states "Everything that a Jew sees or hears, must serve as a lesson in the service of Hashem, which we can practically implement."

So how can we practically bring down the above-mentioned all-encompassing knowledge or emotion, that Hashem is the only true existence in Creation?

The answer lies in coupling this concept with TORAH, which serves as a guide to ALL ONE'S EXPERIENCES IN LIFE. Even the most physical of our activities can and should be guided by the directives of the Torah.

Therefore when reading or listening to the "Ata horaysa", we should be inspired to make a resolution to adhere to Torah in every aspect of our behaviour in the coming year.

Which will result in an experience of the UTMOST SIMCHAH, where our connection "In the Light of the Countenance of the King, one finds life", will be fulfilled.

And this connection will bring about blessings in every phase of our lives.

Wishing everyone a Gut Shabbos and a Gut Yom Tov with much joy!