So if all is going to plan, we are all pretty happy by now. We have left our reliance on physical requirements behind. We have stepped out into the embrace of our Creator, connected with the infinite and are working on only truly seeking the ultimate pleasure provided by spiritual accomplishments. So where do we go from here and what is the next step that is presented to us by the final piece/s of the Tishrei puzzle known as Shemini Atzeres and Simchas Torah?
There is an inherent problem with having such incredibly special
and influential days once a year, and that is that they are only once a
year. What do we do when they are no
longer around and we seek to maintain the levels of commitment and devotion
exhibited over these days to feel this happiness perpetually? The
answer lies in the gift of Shemini Atzeres and Simchas Torah. If we were to succinctly summarise the basic
themes of these Yomim Tovim, we could perhaps describe Shemini Atzeres as being
one final intimate coming together with Hashem and Simchas Torah as a
celebration of the completion of the Torah.
Perhaps the point of these days is to lay the blueprint for our
existence in the coming months when we lack such inspiration, through
perpetuating this closeness to Hashem and following the Torah. The awareness of Hashem in our lives helps us
through the dark times and the Torah is the only way we can sift through what
is and is not important in this world, what in the physical world can be used and
when it can be utilised so that we don’t live a morose life of total abstention
but one of informed temperance and appropriate enjoyment of all G-d has given
us.
We are about to embark on the first day of the rest of our
lives. It is time to step out of our
Succah into a brave new world, armed with the knowledge of Hashem being by our
side and the Torah as our guidebook for a successful, rewarding and happy
life. Let’s make a decision over Yom Tov
that this year should not just be another year but one when we determine to
have the best life possible for ourselves, for our families and for all of
existence. You know the way, just take
the first steps.
May Yom Tov equip us with all everything we need for the
coming year.
L’ilui
Nishmas Leah bas Avrohom
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