Living Torah Archives

When the Holy Temple stood in Jerusalem, wine was poured on the altar daily, but on the festival of Sukkos there was an additional water libation after the morning service. The seven nights of Sukkos were spent celebrating the drawing of this water, which was collected daily at daybreak from a valley below the Temple. Water may lack all the sophistication of wine, but it is for this reason that our sages associate it with Torah, unity and joy.

The two central mitzvos of Sukkos, the sukkah and the Four Kinds, have at their core the theme of Jewish unity.

The yahrzeit of the Rebbe Maharash, the fourth Chabad Rebbe, falls just before Sukkos, a time when Jews busily prepare for the upcoming festival. In recalling his life’s work, we see how the Rebbe Maharash gave up personal comforts, working tirelessly to improve the spiritual and physical lives of Russian Jewry.

Song lyrics: “My soul thirsts for You, my flesh longs for You; (as one) in a desolate and dry land without water, so (I thirst) to see You in the Sanctuary, to behold Your might and glory.” (Psalm 63)

Chassidim sing a lively Niggun.

This Chassidic Niggun is attributed to the Rebbe Maharash. Its tune and its name represent his famous adage on dealing with challenges: "The world says, 'If you can't crawl under an obstacle, try to climb over,' but I say, 'At the outset, climb over!

In Egypt, Joseph named his firstborn son, Menashe – “G-d has made me forget...” Although Joseph’s struggles were now little more than distant memories, Menashe’s name served as a reminder of a difficult past. On the other hand, his second son, Ephraim – “G-d has made me fruitful...” – indicates a fresh outlook entirely focused on the positive potential to be found in his circumstance.

The Yahrzeit of the Rebbe Maharash falls just before Sukkos, when every Jew busily prepares for the upcoming festival. In recalling his life’s work, we see how the Rebbe Maharash gave up his personal comforts, and worked tirelessly to improve both the spiritual and physical lives of Russian Jewry.

The two central mitzvos of Sukkos—the sukkah and the Four Kinds—have at their core the theme of Jewish unity.

Song lyrics: “My soul thirsts for You, my flesh longs for you; (as one) in a desolate and dry land without water, so (I thirst) to see You in the Sanctuary, to behold your might and glory.” This song was first taught by the Rebbe on 28 Nissan, 5714 – 1954.

A part of the Hallel prayer, “may all the nations praise G-d,” during a Farbrengen, this Niggun is strongly encouraged by the Rebbe.