This week we celebrate the latter days of Sukkot which climaxes with the joy on Shemini Atzeres and Simchat Torah. Sukkot is general is referred to in the Torah as the "Season of our Rejoicing." Similarly, the theme of joy is present in the holiday immediately following Sukkot - Simchat Torah, "Rejoicing with the Torah."
What is so great about happiness and rejoicing, so much so that on each night of Sukkot it is customary to go out into the streets and dance in remembrance of "Simchat Beit HaShoeiva - Rejoicing of the Water Drawing" which took place each evening during Sukkot in the Holy Temple? And why specifically does our happiness express itself in dancing?
A circle represents infinity; it has no beginning and no end. Traditionally, our most joyous dances are done in a circle, hinting at the infinite and endless joy we will experience in the Messianic Era. This joy will be twofold, for it will include the rejoicing of the Jewish people once they are reunited with G-d and the rejoicing of G-d reunited with His people.
When and why do we truly rejoice? We rejoice when experiencing something new, not just something good, or great or amazing, but something that is also novel.
And example of how vital uniqueness is to true rejoicing would be that of a talking parrot. Most people have friends, relatives, co-workers, with whom they can converse, joke, discuss things, get advice, etc. Thousands of words can be spoken in a single conversation, and yet each word does not bring wonder and amazement and even laughter.
But just watch how people react when a parrot says a phrase, or even a single word. People will laugh and clap and rejoice at the often meaningless prattle of the parrot. Why? Because we expect people to speak, but hearing a bird speak is truly unusual.
The rejoicing that we participate in during the holiday of Sukkot and Simchat Torah is a foretaste of, and preparation for, the great joy and happiness of the Messianic Era. Wishing all our brethren in the land of Israel with a total victory and true peace so that they can all truly and fully be able to rejoice.
