The Conclusion of Simchas Torah

The Conclusion of Simchas Torah

OUR JOURNEY BEGINS

• At the conclusion of Simchas Torah, we call out: VeYaakov Halach Ledarko – “And Yaakov went on his way.”

Diving straight into the deep end
The month of Tishrei is replete with festivals, which is why we do not recite the Tachanun-confession from Erev Yom Kippur through the end of the month; throughout the month of Tishrei, a Jew is chiefly occupied with holy concerns.

The [following] month of Mar-Cheshvan, on the other hand, is quite the opposite: Apart from Rosh Chodesh (which is anyhow considered separate from the rest of the month to some extent), Mar-Cheshvan contains no Yomim Tovim at all; rather, we then begin our task of re-engaging in our worldly affairs. This fact is attested to by the very name of the month, Mar-Cheshvan, which reflects on the raindrops (as in the phrase Mar MiDli, ‘a drop from a bucket’); Mar-Cheshvan is the beginning of the rainy season that is accompanied by the burden of ploughing and sowing the fields and so on.

…This then is the purpose of announcing VeYa’akov Halach Ledarko, ‘and Ya’akov went on his way’ at the conclusion of the month of Tishrei; we specifically refer to the name ‘Yaakov’ and not the name ‘Yisrael’ (although Yisroel is a loftier name) since Yisrael reflects on our engaging in holy pursuits. Yaakov, on the other hand, comes from the word Eikev, ‘heel,’ and reflects on our descent to engage in worldly affairs. We pointedly announce that Yaakov went on his way (Ledarko), for this likewise reflects upon the service of engaging worldly affairs in the month of Mar-Cheshvan.

Putting Tishrei to good use
The above is connected with a saying of the Previous Rebbe that ‘in the month of Tishrei we acquire the ‘merchandise’ for the entire coming year and in the month of Mar-Cheshvan – when we engage in the tasks alluded to in VeYa’akov Halach Ledarko begins, Pakt Men Fanander, we begin to ‘unpack’ [and make use of] the merchandise that we acquired during Tishrei.’

The application of the above theme includes many steps and levels … [We begin 'unpacking immediately on Rosh Hashanah to some degree;] this is further increased during the days of Sukkos and even more during Shmini Atzeres, when all matters of Rosh Hashanah intensify and are absorbed and internalized. Finally, it is again increased on Simchas Torah, in a manner that breaches all constraining boundaries. [‘In Eretz Yisrael it occurs on the same day (of Shemini Atzeres)’ – subnote 62]. Therefore, on Motzei Simchas Torah we announce VeYa’akov Halach Ledarko. (Shabbos Bereishis 5750; Hisvaaduyos p.308-311)

Our journey back begins right after the Shofar
See Likutei Sichos (Vol. 15, p.259 and onward; Vol. 20 p.556 and onward) where it is explained that there are numerous levels and degrees within the service of VeYa’akov Halach Ledarko: [These degrees of re-engaging the physical world, occur] following the blowing of the Shofar on Rosh Hashanah (as it is explained in Chassidus, based on the phrase ‘A year that is poor at its outset will be rich at its conclusion,’ that the ‘riches’ come directly after the sounding of the Shofar), during the ten days of repentance, on Motzei Yom Kippur (See the series Vekachah 5637), on Motzei Simchas Torah, on Motzei Shabbos Breishis, on Rosh Chodesh Cheshvan, the period after Rosh Chodesh Cheshvan and then after the 7th of Cheshvan. (Shabbos Bereishis 5750, footnote 1; Hisvaaduyos p. 284)

KEREN HASHANAH FUND

• On Simchas Torah, we make announcements encouraging everyone to contribute to the Keren HaShanah Fund.
• It makes no difference which Keren Hashanah Fund one contributes to, as long as they participate in one. May those who hurry to contribute be blessed!

[The Keren Hashanah fund is a Tzedakah project whereby Tzedakah is given every day on behalf of all participants. Participants usually contribute according to the days of the year; this way, all participants are assured of the merit of giving Tzedakah every day of the year – a practice that the Rebbe strongly encouraged.]

Never too late to participate
Similar to the Machtzis Hashekel, the half-shekel that every Jewish person had to contribute in Temple times; these funds were used by the [Temple officers] to offer [the communal sacrifices, even] on behalf of all those who would only make their contribution at a later date. (Day of Simchas Torah 5749; Hisvaaduyos p.246) [All Jews had to contribute annually to the year’s sacrifices on behalf of the entire nation. Those who only managed to give their contribution a while after Rosh Chodesh Nissan, were retroactively included in the sacrifice. The Keren Hashanah fund has the same affect – those who give Tzedakah on behalf of all contributors, do so likewise on behalf of those who have not yet contributed, but will contribute later.]

It pays to be quick
Keren Hashanah already began on Rosh Hashanah, as is well known. Indeed, many, many people have already contributed to Keren Hashanah; this fact is stated based on the many who have contributed here [to the Rebbe’s Keren Hashanah Fund] – although that is not the main thing [i.e., it is not necessary to contribute to the Rebbe’s fund in particular, as opposed to any other fund]. May blessing come upon them, for all who are swift are foremost to receive blessing. (Shabbos Bereishis 5748; Hisvaaduyos p.363)

CHUMASH, TEHILIM, TANYA

• It is our annual Simchas Torah custom to promote and to remind everyone about the study of Chitas – the study-cycle that applies equally to all.

Don’t forget your Chitas
…Including a resolution regarding reciting Chitas, for today we restart the daily Chumash cycle from Bereishis Barah Elokim, ‘In the beginning, Hashem created the Heavens and the Earth’ … We are presently preparing to recite the Birchas Hamazon, the blessing after meals, but we will again mention the Chitas study-cycle... (Day of Simchas Torah 5752; Sichos Kodesh p.212)

[After reciting Birchas Hamazon, the Rebbe stood and drew himself up to his full height, declaring:] [Just] to remind [everyone] once again regarding the Chitas study-cycle. (ibid, p.214)

THANK YOUR HOST

• Fortunate are those who engage in Hachnosas Orchim, providing arrangements for the Tishrei guests – particularly when they do so in a benevolent and friendly manner; the guests, on their part, should certainly acknowledge this kindness and thank their hosts for all the efforts extended on their behalf.

DUPLICATE YOUR EXPERIENCE

• Each guest should take a lesson from his host, to what extent one should extend himself in accommodating guests. That way, when each of the guests returns to their own homes, they too will increase their efforts to accommodate guests in their own homes in a benevolent manner.

THANK YOUR GUEST

• Not only should the hosts display a benevolent ambiance when accommodating guests, but they aught to thank their guests for giving them the privilege of fulfilling Hashem’s Shlichus (mission) of welcoming guests – a Mitzvah regarding which our Sages state, ‘Great is Hachnasas Orchim, even more than welcoming the Shechinah – the Divine Presence.’

We are all guests
We should remember that Hashem is our true host; as everyone (including a guest) recites in Birchas Hamazon after meals that Hashem is the One ‘Who provides nourishment and sustenance to all.’ It is only that [in this instance] the host merited to fulfill the Shlichus of Hashem by providing the actual food; that being the case, the host ought to … [See main text above for continuation] …

Nevertheless, the guest ought to also acknowledge the kindness [of his physical host] and thank him for his efforts on his behalf. (First Night of Sukkos 5748; Hisvaaduyos p.181-182)