Both opinions relate to our service
- Influencing the animal soul by withdrawal of food
- G-dly soul feels deficiency in being distant from Him
Opinions on issue of Chadash outside of Israel:
- Applies outside of the Land in order instill a concept that one’s first action must be for G-d
- Does not apply outside the Land to arouse feelings of one’s lowliness due to not having this mitzvah
Section of Peah, Leket & Shikcha does not interrupt the section of Holidays; since done without the owner choosing who is the recipient, these mitzvos become a part of the concept of bringing Korbanos without a benefit
Mitzvah to rejoice applies to all Festivals, but on Sukkos Jews excel in this Mitzvah; Simchas Bais HaShoevah begins this great service
The siddur’s primary focus is a person’s avodah. Unique connection between the Alter Rebbe’s siddur and Sefiras HaOmer (last item in siddur): A person’s intent (object) and self-improvement
Time of Sukkos is not connected to a particular event, but is established by the Jews through seven special Mitzvah days of sitting in the Sukkah that surrounds all aspects on one’s life
Aravos (lacking Torah & Mitzvos) highlights the value of the simple Jew – connection with their essence; thus, we love every Jew for their essence (not their qualities)
“Speaking” softly applies how each Jew speaks to another; always judge another in a positive manner and mention another’s merits
Different understanding of the mitzvah of Kiddush HaShem
- Highest form of Kiddush HaShem is to be killed for His sake
- Greatest Kiddush HaShem occurs when a miracle saves someone from death
- Kiddush HaShem is to surrender oneself to sanctify His Name; a possible miracle is G-d’s business and not part of the Mitzvah
Difference in order of Holidays as listed in the Torah and as listed in Rambam
Holidays are an obligation of Time – אלה מועדי - Days of holiness distinct from other non-holy days; thus, listed in order of occurrence (לפי סדר בתורה)
Holidays are an obligation of the Person – אות בינינו לעולם - a person has a constant obligation to fulfill the holiday in its appropriate time; thus, listed in order to reflect the decree that the holiday impacts the person’s service (לפי סדר ברמב"ם)
