On this date, Murad IV, sultan of the Ottoman Empire, recaptured Baghdad from the Persian Shah after a forty-day siege. The Jews of Baghdad, who had suffered under the Shah’s tenure, celebrated this day each year to praise G‑d for rescuing them from Persian rule. According to legend, the Jews assisted in the capture by secretly conveying a message to the Sultan about a breach in the wall through which his forces could enter the city.
There are many flavors of joy. What makes the joy of Sukkot so immense?
It’s not joy that tastes rich like wine.
It’s not joy that tastes sweet as honey.
It’s not a joy with any particular cause.
Not a celebration of any event.
Just the joy of being a Jew and having one G-d, Creator of heaven and earth, with you at all times.
It’s simple like water. There is no flavor to water. It’s just clear, plain water.