782 —ההשפעה המתמשכת של שמחת תורה

B"H, Eve of Chag HaSukkos, 5711.

Brooklyn, NY.

It is explained at the end of the maamar in this kuntres that on Shemini Atzeres there is a gathering of all the lights and general revelations drawn down during the seventh month; this is absorbed and retained as a good planting so that abundant growth will result. Elsewhere it is further explained that "the month of Tishrei is the general head for all months, containing days which are roots and sources for the entire year: Rosh Hashanah is the root and source for awe, as Israel receives awe on that day for the whole year. Yom Kippur is for teshuvah, forgiveness, and pardon. The seven days of Sukkos are for love and joy throughout the year. But Simchas Torah is an even greater generality, encompassing all of Tishrei, as then there is drawn down a supreme encompassing level—the king’s own delight, Kesser Torah—and this revelation comes through dancing on Simchas Torah, which has nothing to do with intellect at all."

As stated in the maamar in this kuntres: joy relates to the letters of Torah; in Torah’s letters are its vowels and cantillations. In this learning, all Israel are equal; therefore, the joy is expressed through dancing—meaning that the joy reaches even to the lowest faculties of the soul and into its lowest vessels—the feet.

It is known from a saying of my revered teacher (the Rebbe Rashab) of blessed memory: after Simchas Torah begins the order of "Vayaakov halach ledarko" ("And Yaakov went on his way")—the path of Hashem, the path of Torah and mitzvah.

My revered father-in-law (the Rebbe Rayatz) explained regarding Shemini Atzeres and Simchas Torah: Even if one goes out to purchase merchandise during these days, upon returning home—throughout the year—one unpacks it and begins to use it as needed. So it is with every Jew: in this seventh month filled with goodness they are given "merchandise" with which to sustain themselves all year long—but one must open their bundles, unpack them, and use what was received.

The Rebbe Rayatz also warned in his father’s name (the Rebbe Rashab): The forty-eight hours from Shemini Atzeres through Simchas Torah—these days bring mitzvah-joy into all days of the year; thus all limitations or obstacles to learning Torah or fulfilling mitzvos will be removed. Therefore one must greatly value Simchas Torah—every moment one can draw treasures with buckets and barrels both materially and spiritually—and this comes through dancing.

Summary

Simchas Torah empowers us with boundless joy that permeates every aspect of our lives throughout the year. By embracing its energy through dancing and celebration, we can overcome obstacles in our service to Hashem and infuse our observance with lasting vitality.