שבת Date: 5 Nissan, 5774 (4/5/14) – Beitzah#6 {Eliezer}

Mounds of JOY –

Ravina [6a middle]: asked Rav Ashi why he was sad on the first day of Rosh Hashona (New Year). R’ Ashi answered that he forgot to make an Eruv Tavshilin (an allowance to cook on the Holiday for Shabbos):
Vilna Gaon: One is not allowed to cry on Rosh Hashona (because of an aspect of Simcha/joy).

E’s Lesson#1: Koheles explains there is “a time to laugh and a time to cry.” On the other hand, we are required to always “serve Hashem with JOY.” These two lessons combined teach that even when moments may be seemingly sad (and people cry) we must always know (with joy in our hearts) that things are always done by Hashem for our Ultimate Good.

E’s Lesson #2: R’ Tatz analogizes this to a man working out. Upon observation, an outsider would see a tortured face with screams, sweat, and exhaustion. But through the pain specifically, there is the utmost joy in the fulfillment on the task. When we know (even in sorrow, mourning, and pain) that we are fulfilling G-d’s commandments, that is the source of the greatest Simcha (joy) we can possibly have in this world. Let our Neshamas (souls) soar in delight of Hashem.