Retaining the Inspiration

Simchas Torah was the climax of the month of Tishrei, the Yamim Noraim (Days of Awe) and Succos, a period filled with enormous opportunities for spiritual growth. We have tried to “renew” ourselves, to do teshuvah for past mistakes and make significant resolutions to improve ourselves in the future.

The inspiring atmosphere of Rosh Hashana, the Ten Days of Repentance and Yom HaKippurim had a marked effect on our neshamos. Following that, we felt feelings of simchah, which increased as Succos progressed. This culminated on Simchas Torah with an outpouring of love and reverence for the Torah. As we danced joyously, we sang with all our being the time honored words that express our heartfelt desire to live our lives devoted to its teachings. We felt fortunate to be considered Bnei Torah, those who live by and represent the Torah.

Yet, as the yom tov drew to a close, a fear began to be felt: “What will happen tomorrow? How can we somehow retain the holiness in which we had been immersed for the past month and take it with us as we approach the long winter season ahead?” As part of the teshuvah process we tried to establish a plan for self-improvement. We felt the awe of Rosh Hashana, the forgiveness of Yom Kippur, the joy of Succos, and the love of Torah of Simchas Torah. For almost a month we have been living in a higher spiritual world, and yet, today, we just returned to the mundane mode of weekday existence.

It would be unfortunate if all our growth were to rapidly fade away. Realistically we cannot expect to be on a Yom Kippurlike peak all year long. Yet, how can we cling to these spiritual accomplishments?

The best way to retain the holiness of the month of Tishrei is to remain in the beis midrash, the shul or halls of Torah study. Even those who spend the bulk of their waking hours in the workplace can hold onto the holy atmosphere of Tishrei by significantly adding to the times they spend learning Torah. The first week after the yom tov, Shabbos Bereishis, is traditionally the time when new shiurm (Torah classes) are started and old ones are renewed. This gives one the ability to channel the spiritual energy into firm spiritual growth. By increasing one’s time spent in Torah study, a person will be able to retain the holiness of Tishrei and it will carry him/her through the winter months ahead.

Please consider joining, at no charge, one or more of the following classes taught by Rabbi Yaakov Rich:

• Daily Gemara: Monday-Friday, 6:00-6:35 AM for men. Followed by shacharis.
• Women’s Chumash (Text based with Rashi and other commentaries): Sundays, 8 PM for women at Congregation Toras Chaim, 17912 Hillcrest Rd., Dallas, TX 75252.
• New Course: The Shabbos Kitchen: The Shabbos Kitchen is a course designed for people with or without a background in keeping Shabbos properly, and people who spend time in the kitchen. Tuesdays, 8 PM (beginning October 28) for men and women at Congregation Toras Chaim, 17912 Hillcrest Rd., Dallas, TX 75252.
• Path of the Just (A Recipe for Spiritual Greatness): Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzato, better known as the RaMCHaL, authored a book on spiritual and character development that is widely considered to be the quintessential book of its kind. This is the class to attend as a couple for both husband and wife to learn and grow together. Wednesdays, 8 PM for men and women at Congregation Toras Chaim, 17912 Hillcrest Rd., Dallas, TX 75252.
• Shabbos Afternoon Chumash Class: (Text based with Rashi and other commentaries): Shabbos afternoon, one hour before mincha for men & women at Congregation Toras Chaim, 17912 Hillcrest Rd., Dallas, TX 75252.

As well, numerous new small learning groups for men, women, and men and women will be starting soon. Watch for these in the very near future, or if you are interested in starting one in you home, please contact Rabbi Yaakov Rich at 972-248-1324.

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