Shabbos Chol HaMoed Succos (5771)

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Shabbos Chol HaMoed Succos (5771)
by Mordechai Dolinsky

The reference to the regalim in Shmone Esray—Chag HaMatzos, zman cherusainu, Chag Shavuos zman matan Toraseinu; the parallel should be Chag Succos and the appropriate miracle which was the cause of the Yom Tov. Instead it puzzlingly says zman simchaseinu. The simcha obviously is the cause of the Yom Tov. The open demonstration of Hashem was so strong that it dominated the physical aspect of the miracle. Hashem’s showing Himself openly is the biggest simcha. Thus, the simcha is the actual cause of the Yom Tov.

Remember in the Succah to relate to the Shchina which is manifested in the Schach and to feel Hashem’s love for us and His constant concern and great kindness.

Have a joyous and meaningful Shabbos.

Rosh HaShanah (5771)

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Rosh HaShanah (5771)
By Mordechai Dolinsky

Today’s manifestation of malchus in this world to which we have to associate the real malchus shomayim is no longer in the form of the grand royalty of years gone by. We have to see the kingdom of Hashem in the awesome reality of the hashgacha pratis, how He shows Himself magnificently in our personal lives and the lives of our nation and the leadership of the world.

In our spare moments on Rosh Hashana when our minds are not occupied with kabalas ol malchus shomayim, we should constantly keep some preoccupation of Torah learning handy.

Have a wonderful year in every way for ourselves and all Klal Yisroel and the world.

Shabbos Chol HaMoed Pesach (5770)

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Shabbos Chol HaMoed Pesach (5770)
by Mordechai Dolinsky

The main point of our Yom Tov is to keep focused that every moment is potent with receiving a strengthening and a realization of the emunah and gratitude. Shabbos this is compounded since Shabbos is also related to yetzias mitzrayim and the foundations of emunah.

Receive and enjoy.

Have a wonderful Shabbos and Yom Tov.

Pesach (5770)

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Pesach (5770)

As we enter the Yom Tov of Pesach we focus on the main purpose and theme—the strengthening and renewal of the emunah; the belief in Hashem as King of the Universe and our supreme gratitude to Him for which we commit and submit ourselves to His Will.  The main time for this is at the seder and continues the rest of the night and afterward, the rest of Yom Tov.

We should all be zocheh to receive the utmost blessings of the emunah and gratitude.

Chag Kosher V’Sameach.

Succos (5770)

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Succos (5770)
By Mordechai Dolinsky

For some, the ushering in of Succos is a welcome relaxation from the stress and tension of Yomim Noraim, to be enjoyed with pickled tongue and cold beer.  For others it is a continuation of the intensive connection with the Shechinah and the presence of Hashem, basking in the Divine Presence in perhaps the most extreme manifestation possible in this world.

All to enjoy!  Have a most joyous Chag.

Shmimi Atzeres (5770)

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Shmimi Atzeres (5770)
By Mordechai Dolinsky

Hashem gave us on Rosh Hashana through the shofar the ability to go into the inner sanctum as the Kohain Gadol on Yom Kippur the the Kodshai Kodshim.  On Shabbos Rosh Hashana (as this year), we can do it even without the shofar as our Avos were able to fulfill the mitzvos without the tools.

The succah gives us likewise this awesome opportunity of extreme closeness with Hashem similar to the above.  On Shmini Atzeres we have the opportunity to do all the above without any tools, just us and Hashem.  Awesome for all of us that understand and appreciate.

All the blessing of the Yom Tov  and a wonderful Shabbos.

Shavuos (5769)

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Shavuos (5769)
By Mordechai Dolinsky

Every year the Heavenly blessings of bestowing upon Klal Yisroel the Torah repeat on Chag Matan Torasainu.  To make ourselves worthy recipients we must make the appropriate commitment.  We are subjected to a bombardment of confusing and often contradicting appeals for study and we must pray to Hashem to lead us to the system and program which is truly appropo and designed  for our Torah learning needs.  \

Have a wonderful Shavuos and significant kabolas Torah.

Shvii Shel Pesach (5769)

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Shvii Shel Pesach (5769)
By Mordechai Dolinsky

After the greatest demonstration of Hashem’s love for us and control over the universe, comes a cloud that tampers with the excitement and inspiration—the reversal of the Egyptian submission.  This is followed by again an awesome Divine demonstration.  A great life lesson to “ hang on” despite the dark clouds.  Let’s yearn for the coming of Moshiach.

Have a significant celebration of the krias Yam Suf.

Shmini Atzeres (5769)

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Shmini Atzeres (5769)
By Mordechai Dolinsky

Succos and Shmini Atzeres are extentins of Rosh Hashanah, the great time of judgment.  Shmini Atzeres is the climax.  It is the yom tov of joy despite the judgment.  The greatest test to be judged on is the service of simcha in Hashem and His Torah.

Yom Tov sameach  v’ hayisa ach sameach.