basuikois teshivu – 5738

 

MITZVOS (PURPOSE)

Every mitzvah must be done a. because Hashem (God) commanded it, but b. has within it (as our sages teach, “all the mitzvos were given to refine us”) a unique special soul refinement.

SHIMINI ATZERES

The entire purpose of Sukkois is to lead to Shemini Atzeres (in other words, that the Divine radiance should become one.)

MANIFESTING GOD

On Rosh Hashanah we choose that G-d should be our ruler – and through this we draw down (on Yom Kippur) the essence of God, and through this God becomes the God (as we see on Sukkois) of the entire world (and of course, you can make this choice now!)

E-PLURIBUS-UNUM

As God is infinitely beyond, and it is only a choice from love that He made, hence his love to everyone is equal.

FUTURE IS PRESENT

Just as the Rambam writes, about the messianic era (oilam-haba) that it currently exists, but it is called the future, because we’ll only experience it later; similarly, though the full experience of the Divine on earth, will be when Moshiach comes, it is here and can be accessed.

PURPOSE

Our core goal is to reach the essential identity (namely the singularity of God) and then bring that single oneness into every aspect (of our life.)

UNITY

Just as the Esrog continuously grows, and is benefited by all the seasons (unlike most fruits and vegetables that must be harvested or they die – similarly, it is specifically the joint unity of all Jews – from the brightest to the “not-so shining” that create the glorious whole.

JOY

Furthermore we must be joyous (as this creates both the ability to do and unity.)