יום א Date: 19 Elul, 5774 (9/14/14) – Chagigah#6 {Eliezer}

Family Togetherness

[6a top] Abaye: A mother brings a child to rejoice in Jerusalem on the festivals once the child is able to go with the parent. R’ Chaim: The Mitzvah of Simchas YomTov (rejoicing in the Holiday) has 2 parts: one connected to Korbonos (sacrifices) and other to enjoy one’s self (which certainly applies even now-a-days and even to women as well). Klay Yakar [in Parshas Bo]: Paroh asks Moshe why women and children are needed to go out to sacrifice to their G-d in the desert? Moshe answers that our Holidays are not just about sacrifices, but about being happy together with our families.

E’s Lesson: We must never get too caught up in our self-spirituality that we forget to include our friends and family as well. The exact idea of Holidays are centered around bringing our loved ones together. May we not only be able to grow as individuals, but help care for our fellow brothers and sisters and remember that G-d expects us to be “our brother’s keeper.”