Rambam (Maimonides) mentions a fascinating mitzvah at the end of the Laws of Lulav. Even though on every yom tov there is an obligation to be happy and rejoice, ושמחת בחגך, on Sukkot there is an additional Torah obligation of שמחה יתירה “you shall rejoice in front of Hashem seven days.” What is the nature and meaning of this special celebration?
Sukkot is called “the time of our rejoicing” in our prayers, but the holiday holds many contradictions that speak to the reality of the human condition.
Although it is known as the “Jewish New Year,” unlike our other holidays, Rosh HaShanah is not exclusively set aside for the Jewish people. Rosh HaShanah celebrates the recognition of God’s kingship over the entire universe.
In Devarim Hashem instructs the Israelites to inscribe “all the words” of the Torah on 12 great stones when they cross the Jordan. Why?
Sefer Devarim, the last book in the Torah, is a speech by Moshe to the nation of Israel just before his death. It introduces many mitzvot not mentioned elsewhere in the Torah.
There is no way to feel our way through any mitzvah, even given the best intentions. Performing a mitzvah out of knowledge is transformative, changing it from something instinctual, emotional, or perfunctory into an intelligent and meaningful act.
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