Torah study as being both above, and yet relating to, the limits of time

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The connection between Jewish unity and the holiday of Sukkos

No. 532

This letter was addressed to R. Efraim Eliezer HaKohen Yallis, one of the leading Rabbis in Philadelphia.

B"H, 13 Tishrei, 5710

Greetings and blessings,

I received your letter today. As you requested, I conveyed your request and your note to the inner chamber.[53]

Today, the yahrzeit of the Rebbe Maharash, is a day of Divine favor. Enclosed is the kuntres for 13 Tishrei and the holiday of Sukkos,[54] and a receipt.

As a prelude to the upcoming Sukkos holiday, I would like to express my wishes for a happy holiday, [for its celebration is associated with] threefold happiness:

1. the service of G-d with happiness and gladness of heart which is an element of all the mitzvos;

2. [it is one of the] "festivals for rejoicing," like other festivals;

3. [it is] "the season of our rejoicing."

May it be G-d's will that this threefold bond not be severed[55] and happiness be drawn down throughout the entire year.

As the [accompanying] maamar states, Sukkos is the time when: "His right hand embraces me."[56] This refers to the Clouds of Glory. Both of these attributes are identified with the quality of a kohen.[57]

With wishes for a happy holiday and all types of goodness continually.

   

Notes:

53. (Back to text) [I.e., to the Rebbe Rayatz.]

54. (Back to text) [Printed in Sefer HaMaamarim 5710, p. 51ff.]

55. (Back to text) [Kesubos 62b.]

56. (Back to text) [Shir HaShirim 2:6. It is explained that Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur are identified with the first phrase of the verse "His left hand is under my head," for they are "Days of Awe." Sukkos, by contrast, is a time of rejoicing in appreciation for G-d's kindness.]

57. (Back to text) [For a kohen is also identified with kindness and blessing which are associated with the right vector. Also, the Clouds of Glory were granted in the merit of Aharon HaKohen. R. Yallis, the recipient of the letter, was a kohen.]

Torah study as being both above, and yet relating to, the limits of time

Table of contents

Search this book:

The connection between Jewish unity and the holiday of Sukkos