Post-Yom Kippur Renewal: Embracing Hope, Joy, and the Essence of Sukkot

Good evening, everyone! Though it's the middle of the night in New York, I'm honored to share this message after Yom Kippur, a day that fills us with unparalleled hope and renewal. We carry forward the conviction that Hashem has accepted our teshuva (repentance), a profound feeling that ignites immense joy.

Moshe Rabbeinu’s parting message, compared to life-giving rain and dew, connects deeply to Yom Kippur’s essence. Just as Torah is water for our souls, Yom Kippur is a wellspring of purity. Rabbi Akiva taught: "Happy are you, Israel, before whom do you purify yourselves? Before Hashem, who is a Mikveh (ritual bath) for Israel." The word Mikveh also means hope, signifying Hashem's gift of renewed hope and purification. As we transition from Yom Kippur to Sukkot, we strive to preserve this precious freshness and unwavering connection.

The Power of Preparation: Sukkot's Unseen Blessings

Why does the Torah say "on the first day" (of Sukkot) instead of the 15th? Our sages explain that the four days between Yom Kippur and Sukkot are judgment-free. Hashem, seeing our dedicated preparations—building the Sukkah, preparing the Arba Minim (four species)—bestows boundless favor. The effort of preparation, say our sages, can be as vital as the Mitzvah itself, especially when our intentions are pure. This is why we meticulously care for our etrog, placing it in a beautiful silver box, symbolizing the immense value we place on this Mitzvah. This knowledge—that Hashem views our preparations with mercy—is the source of Sukkot's unique "Simcha" (joy).

Finding Joy in Impermanence: The True "Simcha" of Sukkot

Why is Sukkot called "Zeman Simchateinu" (Season of Our Rejoicing)? We leave our permanent homes ("dirat keva") to dwell in the temporary Sukkah ("dirat arai"). Sitting beneath the stars, we remember that despite a lack of physical comforts, Hashem's protective "clouds of glory" sustained us in the wilderness. This recognition—that our true security lies solely in Hashem's hands, not in material strength—brings profound joy.

The story of Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach, who, despite personal suffering, radiated joy, exemplifies this. He understood that accepting Hashem's will brings true happiness. The Arba Minim (Etrog, Lulav, Hadassim, Aravot) further illustrate life's varied situations—some blessed, some challenging. We hold them together, even the seemingly "lacking" arava, symbolizing that all of life’s experiences, whether "upside down" like the etrog before the blessing, are part of a greater, ultimately good, divine plan. We must always strive to see the "half-full glass," like Rav Yaakov Galinsky, who found joy in his diminutive stature, allowing him to focus only on life's positives.

Spreading Joy: The Essence of Simchat Torah

Sukkot's joy isn't just personal; it's about making others happy. The moving story of the Rav of Teflik, who selflessly gave his precious etrog to a distraught neighbor's son, sacrificing his own Mitzvah for another's happiness, embodies the essence of Simchat Sukkot—caring for others.

As we move towards Shmini Atzeret and Simchat Torah, we celebrate Hashem’s yearning for our closeness ("Kashei Alai Preidatchem" – "It is difficult for Me for you to depart"). Simchat Torah culminates this joy, celebrating the Torah, our ultimate source of security. The powerful stories of boys finding their path and receiving unexpected blessings through their connection to Torah, even when they felt lost, underscore that the Torah itself is a living testament to divine guidance.

May your preparations fill you with tremendous joy, and may the Simcha of Yom Tov extend throughout the entire year. Have a wonderful Yom Tov and a beautiful Shabbos! All my love, from New York.