We have just celebrated the High Holydays, which are the days of awe and judgement. Now, on Sukkos, we are told to rejoice since we have been vindicated, for G-d has accepted our prayers and repentance.
The midrash explains that this is also one of the reasons why we celebrate Sukkos with the lulav (one of the four species used in the celebrating Sukkas). When two people would go to court, the one who was victorious would leave the courtroom with a staff held up high, claiming victory. And so it is true that on Sukkas, we, as Jews, go to shul after the Days of Judgment with our lulav held up high-claiming victory-for a good and sweet new year.
There is also another teaching in blessing the lulav. The lulav, in its numerical computation, equals 68, which is also the computation of the word "chaim," which means "life." At this festival of Sukkos, we again ask A-mighty G-d for long life and success-this time, however, in contrast to the Days of Awe, it is done out of joy and love, for one can accomplish more with joy than with awe.
The word lulav may be broken up into two words: lo-lev, which mean "to a heart." A Jew tells G-d, "I grant you my heart, my love, and my sincerity to carry out and fulfill Your gracious will."
Our Rabbis also tell us that the mitzvah of lulav is so great and important that if one fulfills this mitzvah it is considered as having the weight of fulfilling the entire Torah. How can this be? The word lulav in Hebrew is made up of four letters: Lamed, Vav, Lamed, and Beis.
The last letter of scripture is a Lamed; the first letter of the Prophets (scripture) is a Vav; the last letter of the five books of Moses is a Lamed, and the first letter of the Five Books is a Beis…making up the word lulav.
These are only a few of the many teachings and interpretations that one can learn from the lulav.
Let us hope and pray that A-mighty G-d gives us the strength
to serve him with all our heart and to fulfill the entire Torah.
In return, G-d will bless us with long life, happiness and simchas.
We await the ultimate victory of Good over Evil and Light over
Darkness through revelation of our Righteous Moshiach.
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Ever since I was a child I was amazed by the mysteries
of the letters of the Hebrew alphabet. This led me to research
and write my first book, Letters of Light. The following exploration
will G-d willing become part of a sequel to Letters of Light.
It delves into the profound spiritual lessons found in the letters
of the weekly Torah portion. I hope you will find it as exciting
and instructive as I do.
Rabbi Raskin |
Rabbi Raskin invites you to his class for exciting discussions on Torah, spirituality and the modern world. Every Monday evening, 8:00-9:00.
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Monday nights 8:00-9:00 pm Just go to www.paltalk.com and download their chat program for free. You will need to create a nickname for yourself and a password. Once you’re in, just click on “Rooms”, then look for “Religion & Spirituality”, click on it to see the list and find “Judaism.” Enter “Judaism” and look for our room, titled “Monday Night Lecture with Rabbi Raskin” (you can then add to favorites for a one-click visit next time). If you need extra assistance, contact 718-596-4840 x18 or email ravraskin@aol.com during office hours (10:00 am-3:00 pm). If you need help navigating the chat rooms once you’re online, go to “add pal,” add the nick “tiziri20023” and send her an instant message explaining the problem. |
He also offers a special class for women only on the Weekly Parsha, Wednesdays at 9:15am.
