Rabbi Weill's Blog

September 19, 2024

Dear Friends,

Moses commands us twice in Ki Tavo, this week’s Torah portion, to rejoice in the fulfillment of mitzvot. How might we do this?

The performance of all commandments is considered joyful. Of course, we rejoice especially on our holidays like Shabbat (“day of gladness), Sukkot (“season of our rejoicing”), Simchat Torah (“Rejoicing over Torah”).

We can also rejoice on heavier days, even on the Days of Awe. (Really? Yes!) We rejoice not because they are very happy days, but because they are gifts that help us re-orient ourselves and reconnect with our community. They are also Jewish tradition’s way of saying, “Yes, you can begin anew.”

That’s worth rejoicing over.

Looking forward to seeing you soon!

Rabbi Jeffrey Weill