יום א Date: 21 Adar II, 5774 (3/23/14) – Sukkah#48 {Eliezer}

Rabbanan [48a top]: The extra word of “Ach,” in the Pasuk about Sukkos mentioning that we should have joy on the holiday ‘days,’ comes to include an extra night [Shemini Atzeres]. We include the last night (rather than the 1st night) because it is easier to continue joy once it has already been started, rather than start it extra early with no previous momentum of that feeling.
— “Ach” is usually an exclusionary term, so why are we INCLUDING joy for an extra night? —
Vilna Gaon: On this extra last day we are devoid of all our lovely supplemental mitzvos (ie: lulav, esrog…) which we were used to bringing with us for the previous seven days. Now (on Shemini Atzeres), we feel like we are left without anything. However, we should still have our Simcha (our joy, happiness). That is exactly why “Ach” is used here. We have nothing else left BUT our joy.

E’s Lesson#1: The Rabbis understand how hard it is to overcome inertia. To flip a switch and do a complete 180 takes a lot of effort and hard work. They will not just blanket the nation with a formidable challenge when other options that make sense are present. However, the work of an individual must be achieved. When one notices character traits that need fixing, even though it will be extremely challenging to change tracks, the fight must be fought. Inertia can be overcome and G-d always helps a person achieve a path he/she sets out to do with zealousness. See the light and capture it.

E’s Lesson#2: Just as in the case of Sukkos ebbing away through Shemini Atzeres (where we lose our previous mitzvos), circumstances in life may feel the same way. We may be in a new situation absolutely devoid of everything we previously had, but remember that we should always keep our Simcha (joy and happiness). No one can affect the way we feel inside but ourselves. Let negative emotions slide right off of us and keep a positive, outgoing, and uplifted spirit inside. We are alive and always have at least that to thank G-d for each and every day. All the rest of Hashem’s blessings are icing on our cake that we should scrumptiously lick up with JOY.