SIMCHA IN THE MIDST OF TRAGEDY
Simcha
We first heard the news on Shemini Atzeres morning. As it was the Yomtov, when we do not listen to news, we only heard snippets. What we heard sounded impossible. Our hearts filled with worry.
That afternoon, in accordance with the Rebbe's directive, thousands of Chassidim left 770, walking to communities across new york, to celebrate the Simchas Torah Hakafos with them and enhance their Yomtov Simcha.
The last thing we felt like was dancing and celebrating.
I walked to a Shule in midtown Manhattan. Together with me was a young Bachur from Israel. He lives in Ofakim 20km away from the Gaza border. Following the Psak of a Rav, he had asked a non-Jew to call his family back at home to see how they were. The phone rang, but there was no answer...
I can't imagine how he felt, filled with worry and fear. When the Hakafos started, this Bachur jumped in with such enthusiasm, dancing with real joy. I was in awe. We started Shlepping Jews in from the streets, including some Israelis who had received call-up notifications and would soon be flying back.
In the final Hakafah, we went out onto Fifth Avenue. Beneath the towering Empire State building lit up in blue and white, we danced with Sifrei Torah, singing; Am Yisrael Chai - the Jewish people live, Yisrael Btach BaHashem - the Jewish people trust in Hashem, He is our helper and our protector... We are believers the sons of believers.
Non-Jews passing by pulled out their phones to video this unbelievable sight; Jews dancing and singing? Tonight? After what has happened?
After Hakafos we said Lechaims for the soldiers of Tzahal, for our brothers and sisters in the Holy land, for the Refuah of the wounded and for the safe return of the captives. There were a lot of tears and a lot of hugs, but the mood was upbeat, filled with courage and pride.
At a farbrengen held three days after the outbreak and disastrous start of the Yom Kippur war, the Rebbe made a radical call, saying the way that we can help is by being in a state of Simcha, because Simcha breaks through all barriers.
The Rebbe quoted the Zohar that describes how Hashem reflects back our mood. When we show a joyous countenance from below, He radiates joy from Above.
In no ways is this meant to ignore or minimize the pain that we feel. Who more than the Rebbe felt the pain of Klal Yisrael and the loss of life in the Holy Land?
As Jews we live with paradox. In Tanya the Alter Rebbe describes a state where crying if fixed in one side of my heart and joy if wedged in the other side of my heart.
Why is it so important to be Besimcha?
As described above, Simcha has the spiritual power to break through all barriers and darkness and causes Hashem to bring Simcha to the world.
Simcha and positivity is also integral to victory. When soldiers goes out to battle, they go with a march and joyous song to boost their morale and lift their spirits. No matter how powerful they are, a warrior who is disheartened and dejected cannot face their battle.
All Jews are connected. Our Simcha, our hope and positivity, empowers and strengthens the soldiers and our brothers and sisters in the Holy Land.
And Simcha foils the plans of our enemies. In addition to their campaign to kill and maim, to break our bodies, our enemy seeks to break the spirit of the Jewish people. Through psychological warfare, they want us to be paralysed with fear and suffering. They want Jews in Israel and around the world to cower with fear, to be bent-over and broken.
When we hold up our heads proudly, when we are positive and filled a spirit of joy and hope, we are the victors.
Many video clips have been shared on social media. Our enemies want us (and our children) to watch the horrific video clips and images that break our hearts and crush our souls.
But there are videos that we must share. One shows a group of Chassidim who had travelled to the soldiers at the front, dancing as they prepare to go into battle. Seeing the Achdus, Simcha and Emunah fills your heart with pride and positivity - Mi KeAmcha Yisrael - Who is like Your people Yisrael!
This great tragedy is the experience of Golus that we have suffered for thousands of years. We are all soldiers fighting to bring an end to Golus. May our increased prayers and Mitzvos and our pure Emunah and true Simcha, smash though the barriers of Golus and bring the greatest Simcha of the immediate arrival of Moshiach and an end to all suffering and evil.
That afternoon, in accordance with the Rebbe's directive, thousands of Chassidim left 770, walking to communities across new york, to celebrate the Simchas Torah Hakafos with them and enhance their Yomtov Simcha.
The last thing we felt like was dancing and celebrating.
I walked to a Shule in midtown Manhattan. Together with me was a young Bachur from Israel. He lives in Ofakim 20km away from the Gaza border. Following the Psak of a Rav, he had asked a non-Jew to call his family back at home to see how they were. The phone rang, but there was no answer...
I can't imagine how he felt, filled with worry and fear. When the Hakafos started, this Bachur jumped in with such enthusiasm, dancing with real joy. I was in awe. We started Shlepping Jews in from the streets, including some Israelis who had received call-up notifications and would soon be flying back.
In the final Hakafah, we went out onto Fifth Avenue. Beneath the towering Empire State building lit up in blue and white, we danced with Sifrei Torah, singing; Am Yisrael Chai - the Jewish people live, Yisrael Btach BaHashem - the Jewish people trust in Hashem, He is our helper and our protector... We are believers the sons of believers.
Non-Jews passing by pulled out their phones to video this unbelievable sight; Jews dancing and singing? Tonight? After what has happened?
After Hakafos we said Lechaims for the soldiers of Tzahal, for our brothers and sisters in the Holy land, for the Refuah of the wounded and for the safe return of the captives. There were a lot of tears and a lot of hugs, but the mood was upbeat, filled with courage and pride.
At a farbrengen held three days after the outbreak and disastrous start of the Yom Kippur war, the Rebbe made a radical call, saying the way that we can help is by being in a state of Simcha, because Simcha breaks through all barriers.
The Rebbe quoted the Zohar that describes how Hashem reflects back our mood. When we show a joyous countenance from below, He radiates joy from Above.
In no ways is this meant to ignore or minimize the pain that we feel. Who more than the Rebbe felt the pain of Klal Yisrael and the loss of life in the Holy Land?
As Jews we live with paradox. In Tanya the Alter Rebbe describes a state where crying if fixed in one side of my heart and joy if wedged in the other side of my heart.
Why is it so important to be Besimcha?
As described above, Simcha has the spiritual power to break through all barriers and darkness and causes Hashem to bring Simcha to the world.
Simcha and positivity is also integral to victory. When soldiers goes out to battle, they go with a march and joyous song to boost their morale and lift their spirits. No matter how powerful they are, a warrior who is disheartened and dejected cannot face their battle.
All Jews are connected. Our Simcha, our hope and positivity, empowers and strengthens the soldiers and our brothers and sisters in the Holy Land.
And Simcha foils the plans of our enemies. In addition to their campaign to kill and maim, to break our bodies, our enemy seeks to break the spirit of the Jewish people. Through psychological warfare, they want us to be paralysed with fear and suffering. They want Jews in Israel and around the world to cower with fear, to be bent-over and broken.
When we hold up our heads proudly, when we are positive and filled a spirit of joy and hope, we are the victors.
Many video clips have been shared on social media. Our enemies want us (and our children) to watch the horrific video clips and images that break our hearts and crush our souls.
But there are videos that we must share. One shows a group of Chassidim who had travelled to the soldiers at the front, dancing as they prepare to go into battle. Seeing the Achdus, Simcha and Emunah fills your heart with pride and positivity - Mi KeAmcha Yisrael - Who is like Your people Yisrael!
This great tragedy is the experience of Golus that we have suffered for thousands of years. We are all soldiers fighting to bring an end to Golus. May our increased prayers and Mitzvos and our pure Emunah and true Simcha, smash though the barriers of Golus and bring the greatest Simcha of the immediate arrival of Moshiach and an end to all suffering and evil.