Blessed are You, Hashem our G-d... Who commanded us to dwell in a Sukkah (Blessing recited in the Sukkah)
Sukkos is known as Zman Simchaseinu, the season of our joy. And nowhere is this joy more vividly expressed than in the Simchas Beis HaSho’evah, the nightly celebration that took place in the Beis Hamikdash during Chol HaMoed Sukkos. The Gemara (Sukkah 51a) paints a picture of the unparalleled rejoicing which took place: music, dancing, juggling with fire, and spontaneous song and celebration. It was such an exalted experience that Chazal declared: “Whoever never witnessed the Simchas Beis HaSho’evah has never truly seen joy in their life” (ibid.).
Among the remarkable moments of those celebrations is a cryptic declaration made by Hillel Ha’Zakein (the Elder): “If I am here, everyone is here. But if I am not here, who is here?” (ibid. 53a). At first glance, this statement sounds strikingly self-important. Was Hillel, the paragon of humility (see Shabbos 31a), claiming that everything revolved around him? Could such a statement truly come from the same Hillel who chased away arrogance and ego?
Many commentaries grapple with this, explaining that “Ani,” I, refers to Hashem, as if to say, “If Hashem is here, then all are here.” While sensible, this isn’t the straightforward reading of the Gemara.
The Hafla’ah (R’ Pinchas HaLevi Horowitz, Frankfurt, 18th century), however, offers an understanding which speaks to each of us, especially during this season of joy.
During the Simchas Beis HaSho’evah, or any holy celebration, we may feel unworthy. Who am I to dance before Hashem? What have I done this year to deserve joy and to stand in the presence of the Shechinah and rejoice? It’s a question many of us quietly ask.
Hillel responds to that inner doubt. If I—with all my imperfections and shortcomings—can be here, dancing before Hashem, then everyone can be here. And if I, who feel unworthy, am not allowed in, then no one is. Because who among us is truly worthy?
Hillel isn’t speaking from ego; he’s speaking from empathy and reminding each of us that we belong. You matter. If your presence isn’t valid, then no one’s is. Our worthiness isn’t rooted in perfection. It’s rooted in our sincerity and desire to draw close to Hashem.
David Rockefeller famously never wore a watch because his business meetings only began when he arrived. Hillel believed the same. When you show up to dance with Hashem, that is when the simcha begins.
So many of us go through Yom Tov, especially Sukkos and Simchas Torah, unsure if we really are feeling the joy we’re meant to.
Are we just going through the motions? Is this true simcha, or just social energy? Hillel teaches us that showing up—with our full selves, imperfections and all—is the very essence of Zman Simchaseinu. If one Jew can dance, then so can we all.
So let’s just show up and dance and sing. Let us allow ourselves to rejoice, not because we are perfect, but because we are present.
Rabbi Binyomin Pruzansky
