The Previous Rebbe said that at the annual fair we get merchandise, unpack it when we get home and use it throughout the year. Similarly, during Tishrei every Jew is given spiritual merchandise to provide for his needs during the year. However, one must open the packages and use it. It must be unpacked immediately. Otherwise it may fall apart or dry out, and sometimes the mice will be impatient and nibble it...
The Previous Rebbe related: After the meal on Simchat Torah, it was the custom of my father, the Rebbe Rashab, to announce, now is the time for “and Yaakov took to the road.” After Tishrei, Jews hit the road and take the path of Torah and mitzvot throughout the year.
The Rebbe explained: after the month of Tishrei, the service is to draw holiness into the mundane activities of the year. All our activities, even eating, drinking and business, should be done in a Jewish way – eating with a blessing, thanking Hashem, and doing business honestly, without intruding on another's livelihood.
reprinted from The Weekly Farbrengen by Merkaz Anash, on-line at TheWeeklyFarbrengen.com
