Emes Ve-Emunah: Shemini Atzeres - the Season of Simcha

Sunday, October 04, 2015

Shemini Atzeres - the Season of Simcha

The Chasam Sofer makes a very interesting comment about Shemini Atzeres. He says that this particular Yom Tov does not have any special symbol or Mitzvah act that enhances our observance of the Yom Tov. He notes that on Pesach we have Matzah. On Shavuos we have the Shtei HaLecham – the 2 breads brought with the sacrifices of the day. On Sukkos we have the four species (commonly called Luvav and Esrog). On Rosh HaShanna we have the Sofar. And on Yom Kippur we fast.

On Shemini Atzeres we have only the holiness of the day. This says the Chasam Sofer is all we need. V’Hayisah Ach Sameach – Shemini Atzeres is all about the Simcha of Yom Tov. This is the focus on Shemini Atzeres.

As we complete this holiday season - my wish to all of my readers and commenters a truly joyous Yom Tov. Chag Sameach

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My outlook on Judaism is based mostly on the teachings of my primary Rebbe, Rabbi Aaron Soloveichik from whom I received my rabbinic ordination. It is also based on a search for spiritual truth. Among the various sources that put me on the right path, two great philosophic works stand out: “Halakhic Man” and “Lonely Man of Faith” authored by the pre-eminent Jewish philosopher and theologian, Rabbi, Dr. Joseph B. Soloveitchik. Of great significance is Rabbi, Dr. Norman Lamm's conceptualization and models of Torah U’Mada and Dr. Eliezer Berkovits who introduced me to the world of philosophic thought. Among my early influences were two pioneers of American Elementary Torah Chinuch, Rabbis Shmuel Kaufman and Yaakov Levi. The Yeshivos I attended were Yeshivas Telshe for early high school and more significantly, the Hebrew Theological College where for a period of ten years, my Rebbeim included such great Rabbinic figures as Rabbis Mordechai Rogov, Shmaryahu Meltzer, Yaakov Perlow, Herzl Kaplan, and Selig Starr. I also attended Roosevelt University where I received my Bachelor's Degree - majoring in Psychology.