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SIMCHAT TORAH AT KMD

MEMBERSHIP YEAR 5785

KMD MEMBERS YEAR 5784

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RABBI MOSES' WEEKLY MESSAGE

Dear Mogen David Family,

Simcha is one of the salient themes of Succot, known throughout Rabbinic literature simple as "Chag." On Succot we complete Hallel every day corresponding to the special Korbanot brought each day in the Bet HaMikdash, along with the unique Nissuchei HaMayim--the Water Libations--offered only during Succot. The Chachamim placed Simchat HaTorah, the celebration of Torah, to coincide with Shemini Atzeret, whose only MItzvah is Simcha. We complete the entire Torah with Parashat V'Zvot HaBeracha during the Chag of Shemini Atzeret.

The pasuk by Shemini Atzeret says, "V'Hayita Ach Sameach," theres is only a MItzvah of Simcha, and not Netillat Lulav and Yeshivat Succah. In fact, the Torah defines Simcha as "Lifnei Hashem," to come before Hashem during the Shalosh Regallim and offer the special Korbanot for the Festivals (Olat Reiah; Shalmei Chaggiga; Shalmei Simcha). Additionally, the Mishna in Masechet Succah informs us that one has not truly experienced Simcha unless one has witnessed the Simchat Bet HaShoeva which took place in the Bet HaMikdash during Chol HaMoed Succot.

What is the quality of Succot which makes it so festive? 

The Vilna Gaon says there are three Mitzvot which we fulfill by subsuming our entire body within the Mitzvah. True, there are many Chovat Ha-evarim--Duties of the limbs--which we fulfill with our physical body, such as Tefillin, Tzitzit, Seudah; likewise, there are many Mitzvot which we classify as Chovat Ha-Levavot--Duties of the Heart--which we fulfill through our mind and emotion, such as Tefilla, Emunat Hashem, Ahavat Hashem.... But which three require complete submersion of the Guf? One is the Mitzvah of Mikveh, in which immerse our entire body for spiritual purification. Another, interestingly, is MItzvat Yishuv Eretz Yisrael, where our Guf is inside the Land of Israel, Al Admat Kodesh. The third, of course, is Yeshivat Succah. 

In Birchat HaMazon we recite: HaRachaman Hu Yakim Lanu et Succat David HaNofalet--G-d should (re)establish the fallen Succah of King David. The Succah is a paradigm of the Bet HaMikdash! By entering a Succah with our whole body we are entering the Shechina, the Divine Presence, like the Kohen Gadol on Yom Kippur, and Moshe Rabbeinu into the Ohel Moed! 

This is true Simcha. Real joy is basking in the Shechina, to go "Lifnei Hashem."

I would like to wish everyone and their extended families a Chag Kasher V'Sameach, a year where we will witness the Binyan Bet HaMikdash, speedily in our days!

Chag Sameach and Chazak, Chazak, V'Nitchazek!

Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Yehuda Moses Rav HaKehillah/Senior Rabbi

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Tue, October 22 2024 20 Tishrei 5785