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Beit Midrash
- Shabbat and Holidays
- Jewish Holidays
- Sukkot
The Torah study is dedicatedin the memory of
Amram son of Sultana
The gemara (Sukkah 50b) brings down a discussion of Ammoraim about what to call this special simcha. One opinion says it should be called "shoevah" (drawing) because of the joy of drawing the water. Rashi (Sukkah 50b) elaborates that this simcha is specifically because of nisuch hamayim. The second name given is "chashuva" (important). Rashi (ibid.) explains that this name is also related to nisuch hamayim. The 'shitin', the channel reaching down from the altar to the depths of the earth, where the libations were poured, was so important that it was created during the six days of creation. According to this opinion, every day year-round there was joy and singing during the time of the morning wine libations, but on Sukkot there was an extra mitzva of nisuch hamayim, which added another level of joy.
The Rambam (Hilchot Lulav 8: 5,12), however, holds that on Sukkot, as compared to other festivals, there is an extra level of joy in the mikdash, independent of nisuch hamayim, as it says "you shall rejoice before Hashem your G-d" (Vayikra 23:40). The Rambam then continues to describe the simcha based on the mishna cited above. However, this connection needs to be understood better. The obligation of simcha on Sukkot appears in a different mishnah (48a). There it states that the simcha should be eight days. During the time of the Beit Hamikdash, it was accompanied by the eating of the peace offerings of joy (shalmei simcha). In contrast, Simchat Beit Hashoeva was for five or six days, and it could not be done on Shabbat or Yom Tov.
We see from the words of the Rambam that the Simchat Beit Hashoeva is not connected to nisuch hamayim. Rather, there are two different obligations of rejoicing during the festival of Sukkot. Firstly, there is the general mitzva of rejoicing on the holiday (Devarim 16:14-15). All segments of society were involved, and it was fulfilled mainly by eating the shalmei simcha, which could be done anywhere in Yerushalayim. The second type of simcha (from Vayikra 23:40) was only in the Temple through song and praises, and only great sages and the righteous were active participants in the dancing, singing and merriment (Rambam ibid.: 14).
From here we see a more spiritually lofty and public level of simcha on Sukkot. It is no wonder that the Yerushalmi explains that the word "shoeva" refers to the drawing of ruach hakodesh (Divine spirit) that was made possible through the simcha, which enables the Divine Presence to dwell among us. Let us pray that the Beit Hamikdash will be rebuilt, and we will merit to fulfill the extra level of joy of the Simchat Beit Hashoeva.
Rabbis in Midrash
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Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 9 - "Seeing is Believing" (parag. 21-30)
These paragraphs elaborate on the theme that seeing and knowing is better than any attempt to prove logically, and begins explaining the difference between Israel and gentiles.
Ein Aya Various Universal Stages of the Geula Process
Rav Kook examines the various stages of redemption, explaining how (in addition to the obvious oft-mentioned stages of ingathering the exiles, reviving the Hebrew language, army, state etc.) the messianic dream of world prosperity, the State of Israel and world unity can and are realistically and logically gradually coming true.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 8- "Answering Questions on the Kuzari's Proof from Mass Revelation
How do we know that the "claim" of mass revelation to 2,000,000 witnesses at Mt. Sinai is really true? This important class answers all of the questions skeptics ask about this claim of the Kuzari.
Ein Aya Armies Still Necessary for Balance & the War Against Wars
Rav Kook explains why the world was originally divided into the various seemingly contradicting ideologies and cultures, in order to develop each one respectively. Swords or armies symbolize how each respective ideology defends themselves, as well as deters their opposing ideologies and cultures. On the other hand, the messianic era will be one of peace, and Rav Kook explains the transition to that stage, which mankind is already undergoing.
The Land of Israel LGBT'S IN ISRAEL
The question was asked, how can one make Aliyah with the LGBT parades?
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 7 - Five Accumulative Proofs of G-d
As a preparation for the Kuzari's classic proof of G-d from the mass-revelation at Sinai, we start here with 5 other directions to strengthen our belief which also contribute to what the Kuzari will present as well.
Ein Aya Muscle & Meaning: The Dual Nature of Gevurah (Physical Strength)
Is physical strength and fitness a necessity or an ideal? Although it if often totally overlooked among topics of Judaism, Rav Kook writes that it clearly is also a necessity to deter the many enemies of Israel, but even in Y'mot HaMashiach, in the Messianic era, to a certain extent, it's ideal continues even after our enemies will have been finished off.
