The story comes to mind now, as we prepare for the final days of this month of Yomim Tovim. Simchas Torah is unquestionably a beautiful celebration. But we have to make sure that it is not like the celebration in the above story (we never say l’havdil by Yidden . .). While we dance, sing, farbreng and rejoice, we must make sure that we keep focused, - that G-d is not – G-d forbid – absent.
Because, in reality, the Yom Tov is entirely about the Eibishter. On Rosh Hashono we focus all our energies on proclaiming the Eibishter as a King over all that exists. The definition of his Kingship is the realization that nothing really exists except Hashem, and everything and everyone are therefore inherently subservient to him.
This idea is further developed and internalized during all of the subsequent Yomim Tovim, until it reaches its ultimate and climax on Simchas Torah. This is the reason that Shmini Atzeres and Simchas Torah are always on the same days of the week as the 2 days of Rosh Hashono and are strongly connected with them. Simchas Torah is the ultimate sense of Ein Od Milvado in a personal way, b’pnimiyus, and that is the basis of the extreme joy.
It is up to us, therefore, not to get sidetracked by the scenes, not to get distracted by the drinking and partying, and not to lose focus if the fundamentals of the day.
