THE FINAL PARSHA OF THE TORAH

by Rabbi Oren Levy - Rebbe and Director of HYPE

In his פירוש on the Torah, Rav Shimshon Rafael Hirsch asks two questions on this pasuk. First, what kind of blessing is Moshe giving to the tribe of Reuven? Upon looking at all the other blessings bestowed upon the tribes by Moshe, one finds beautiful, poetic blessings; gifts of power, prestige and spirituality. However, Reuven is simply blessed to live and not die. How is that possible?

Rav Shimshon continues and asks that upon careful review of the division of the pasukim, it would seem that the blessing of Reuven is connected to the previous pasukim, and not connected to the rest of the blessings! The Torah places a סתומא (small break) between the end of Reuven's blessing and the next tribe's blessing, implying that it is related to the previous pasukim. The previous pasukim begin with the familiar, "תורה צוה לנו משה מורשה קהלת יעקב." "Moshe commanded us the Torah, it is an inheritance to the entire congregation of Yaakov (Israel)." What does Reuven's blessing have to do with this פסוק and why did Moshe disconnect Reuven's blessing from the rest of the tribes?

Rav Shimshon offers a beautiful insight to answer these questions. He explains that Moshe was concerned that the tribe of Reuven would be sad and upset at not having any special inheritance. Originally, the tribe of Reuven was supposed to have the kingship and priesthood, but those were given to the tribes of Yehuda and Levi respectively by Yaakov. Therefore, Moshe was telling them that even though they lost those special privileges, they still had the most important inheritance of all: the Torah. In that, says Moshe, everyone has an equal share. If a person works hard to keep and learn the Torah, that is more important than anything else. This was Moshe's blessing to Reuven and this is why he connected it to the previous verses.

This is also a tremendous lesson for all of us. We were all given different roles in life; each of us has been endowed with different strengths and weaknesses. No matter what our situation, however, we all have an equal share in the Torah. If we make the effort to keep and learn the Torah and do our part, we are considered greater than kings!

As we complete the Sefer Torah this Simchat Torah, Hashem should grant us the help to fulfill the Torah to our greatest potential! חג שמח!

When we leave our houses to dwell in the Sukkah, it enables us to take time and examine our life free of distractions. The Sukkah is a symbol of our reliance on G-d. Just as Bnei Yisrael relied completely on Hashem for protection in the desert, so too we must believe and trust in Hashem away from the comforts of our own homes. By leaving our houses and entering the feeble shelter of a Sukkah, we are leaving behind the world's physicality and superficiality in order to focus on our spiritual self.

In our first GHS chabura learning session, Mrs. Cook discussed with us the difference between Malchut, Kehuna, and the ability to gain the crown of Torah. Pirkei Avot discusses that in order to attain Malchut, you must acquire 24 specific attributes, to get the Kehuna you must acquire 30 specific attributes, and to fully gain the knowledge of Torah you must acquire 48 attributes. The question is why must one work harder in order to gain the full knowledge of Torah as opposed to the other two goals?

There is a significant difference between these three ideas. Malchut and Kehuna are public status and only given to a very specific group of people. The crown of Torah differs in that anyone has the ability to gain it if they truly work hard. It is a more rewarding honor, therefore one must work harder to attain it.

The Sukkah symbolizes a Torah life because it is leaving behind physicality and superficiality and focusing instead on spirituality.

THE MITZVAH OF SUKKAH

by Mrs. Anna Yolkut - Third Grade Morah

The mitzvah of Sukkah is a fun one--we decorate our Sukkah, eat outside, and spend time with friends and family.  But what is the message of Sukkos?  Well, we know that we are remembering Hashem's protection during the time that the Jewish people were traveling in the desert.  When we live in our strong houses, with locks on the doors, it is easy to forget that Hashem is the one who keeps us strong. But when we are sitting in our Sukkah, that a big wind can blow over, with no locks on them, we have to remember that Hashem is the one who always protects us. 

On Sukkos, during bentching, just like on other holidays, we add Ya'aleh v'Yavo.  We also add a special line just for Sukkos: "Harachaman, who yakim lanu, es Sukkas Dovid Hanofales," "Hashem will rebuild the "fallen Sukkah of Dovid."  What is the "fallen Sukkah of Dovid"?  The Beis Hamikdash. Why do we compare the Beis Hamikdash to a fallen Sukkah? 

Rav Yehuda Amital z"l, who was the Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshivat Har Etzion (and who Yehuda Yolkut is named after), shared the following beautiful idea:  

 Imagine a big fancy house being destroyed. Now imagine rebuilding it. The idea of rebuilding that big fancy house would be very difficult.  It would not happen easily.  But have you ever seen a Sukkah that got blown over by the wind?  Fixing it is not as hard as fixing a house.  That is why we compare the Beis Hamikdash to a fallen Sukkah.  Rebuilding the Beis Hamikdash  seems so difficult, almost impossible. But we remind ourselves that it's not true.  If we deserve it and Hashem decides it,  rebuilding the Beis Hamikdash would be as quick and easy as rebuilding a fallen Sukkah!

THE SUKKOS PUZZLE 

by Rabbi Dov Nimchinsky, VP grades 4-8 boys

Sukkot, there are elements of the Holiday that don't seem to fit with that idea. 

The Pesukim:

Sukkos as Chag HaAsif, the festival of ingathering. It is the  conclusion of the yearly agricultural cycle  when the finished crops are finally brought in for storage. The realization of the profits of a year's work and the assurance of food on the table for the next year is a source of great joy.

The Mitzvos:

Relationship and trust in Hashem: The Sukkah: We remove ourselves from the stability and security of our homes and move into a temporary structure, physically showing our willingness to put ourselves in Hashem's "hands."

The Timing

celebration he holds a handkerchief embroidered by his wife. Holding it fills him with joy since it reminds him of his renewed closeness with his wife. After the goodbyes are said to the last guests, the reunited couple sits down alone to a  quiet meal with each other. The mood at that time is filled with closeness and contentment. The moment is perfect.

moment is, is happiness. With effort and practice this feeling can be developed so that one is always in a state of happiness.

Have a Chag Kasher V'Sameach!