Why real simchah in avodah is so elusive for most of us
More than with any other Yom Tov, simchah is associated with Succos. Simchah isn’t just a requirement of this chag; it’s the essence of it.
At first glance, that seems simple enough to achieve. The novelty of sitting in the succah excites us, the very sight of the lulav and esrog lights up our faces. We sing Hallel, enjoy festive meals, and go out to Simchas Beis Hashoeivah celebrations.
Yet the Rambam at the end of Hilchos Lulav reminds us that “rejoicing in doing the mitzvos and in the love of Hashem who commanded them is a great avodah.” It becomes clear that simchah in avodas Hashem isn’t just a question of being in a good mood when we do a mitzvah. It requires a deep personal connection to our avodah.
This perhaps explains why real simchah in avodah is so elusive for most of us. But it’s not just for the great tzaddikim. If Hashem commanded all of us to attain it, it must be within our reach. Rav Yisrael Salanter in Or Yisrael (s. 30) teaches us that simchah in avodas Hashem comes naturally to everyone — if their path in avodah is in tune with their spiritual nature.
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