Machshava:

Elul 

Collections: Rabbi Weinberger: Succos

Description

On Rosh Hashana we are quiet and listen to the sound of the shofar. On Yom Kippur, we stop all the activities that we usually attribute to life. Passiveness is generally a negative trait, but there is a need for it occasionally. Teshuva is a form of chemotherapy- it can take away the spiritual good cells with the bad cells. Immediately after yom kippur, we jump right back into the physical world with the sukkah and the arba minim (four species). After Yom Kippur we return to the physical world, but with Hashem at the forefront. Happiness is when we are not torn into one thousand pieces. After we spend our day reciting viduy (confession), and face ourselves honestly, we can reach true joy. The mitzvos of Sukkos ward off depression that Teshuva (repentance) may cause.