In 5639 (1878), on the first Shabbat of Chanukah, my grandfather, Rabbi
Shmuel, delivered the discourse beginning with the quotation, 1Serve G-d with
joy. The basis of that discourse concerned the elucidation and interpretation
of the degrees of joyous service. Among other things, Rabbi Shmuel declared that
even repentance must be joyous, to say nothing of the service of repentance
which must certainly be with joy.
My father, Rabbi Sholom DovBer, an exacting and precise student of his father's
teachings, took note of this. He interpreted to himself the terms repentance
and service of repentance. The first relates primarily to those matters
that must be completely rejected, for even the faintest trace of evil is evil,
to be repelled. Though repentance of this sort entails tears of anguish for
possessing evil, nonetheless, Rabbi Shmuel emphasized, even such repentance must
be accompanied by joy, the joy of ridding oneself of evil. My father understood
the term service of repentance to mean gradual progression to ever higher
spiritual stages.
His interpretation not withstanding, my father decided to ask his father,
Rabbi Shmuel, for clarification of the subject. Early Tuesday morning, the
fourth day of Chanukah, he entered his father room and asked him to explain the
difference between the terms used. Rabbi Shmuel explained, Repentance
is the practical act. Service of repentance refers to those things which
engender practical actions. The quality of repentance hinges on the nature of
those things which give rise to it. Both come through prayer, the vehicle of
practical service.
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