There are 91 kosher and 85 non-kosher structures and situations of a sukkah mentioned in Shas.
The numerical value of the word “סוכה” when spelled in full, is 91, indicating a proper sukkah.
The numerical value of the word “סכה” when spelled without “ו,” is 85, indicating a sukkah which lacks kashrus.
~ The Vilna Gaon
There is a halachah that “mitzta’er patur min ha-sukkah – One who feels discomfort is patur (exempt) from the sukkah.”
Aside from the normal interpretation, perhaps Chazal are teaching us something deeper:
A person who finds himself in distress, “patur” – is able to free himself, both mentally and physically. How? “min ha-sukkah – From the sukkah” – by correctly performing the mitzvah of sukkah!
~ The Tzemech Tzedek zt”l
If one gives generously to the needy, Hashem sees that he is a good trustee and will entrust him with even greater riches!
~ R’ Shimon Shkop zt”l
It’s never too late to become the person you could have been.
~ Heard from R’ Joey Haber
If I had my way, I would prefer never to die, for in the World to Come, there are no Yamim Noraim.
What could the soul possibly do without Yom Kippur?!
And what purpose is life without teshuvah?!
~ R’ Shmelka of Nikolsburg zt”l
The Arizal states that Yom Kippur is Yom Kippurim, a day like Purim.
The Shelah explains that just as the essence of Purim is fraternal love and kinship expressed in and engendered by mishaloch manos (sending presents to one’s friends) and matanos lievyonim (gifts for the needy), so too on Yom Kippur one is without jealousy, enmity or ill will towards one’s fellow man, similar to an angel.
It is for this reason that Yom Kippur is a day when our sins are forgiven.
~ R’ Chaim Shmulevitz zt”l
The Sages (Rosh Hashanah 17a) have revealed a wonderful tool:
“A person who forgives others who distress him and does not do or say anything negative in retaliation, will have all his sins forgiven.”
By removing your anger over the behavior of others, anger will be removed from you.
~ R’ Eliyahu Dessler zt”l
Rav Nosson Zvi Finkel, head of the great Mir Yeshiva of thousands of students, was once asked by one of the young men during the High Holiday season:
“When one prays, what should he or she have in mind?”
He responded with just 2 words…
“Someone Else.”
~ R’ Eli Deutsch
On October 7, 2023, we were tested in ways we could never have imagined. But through our pain, we discovered the boundless power of Emuna—faith that cannot be shaken.
Our ancestors endured, and so do we, for the light of Hashem never dims, even in the darkest hour.
One year later, we stand taller, stronger, and more united.
Let this day remind us that even in the face of great trials, our spirit is unbreakable, our faith unwavering, and our future is bright!
Am Yisrael Chai!
Giving tzedakah on erev Rosh Hashana is a great mitzvah. In fact, it opens the Heavenly Gates of Mercy wide open, for just as we take pity on the poor, Hashem takes pity on us. ~ Ohr Hachayim
On that note, here is your annual reminder to set yourself up with one or both of these wonderful organizations before Rosh Hashana to ensure that a day doesn’t go by the entire year without giving tzedakah.
Daily Giving – https://dailygiving.org/
Sign up to donate $1 per day to charity, which they will distribute to various wonderful charities that serve the greater Jewish community, most of which you are probably familiar with. I encourage you all to check out their website. Don’t miss out on this wonderful opportunity!
Keren Hashana – https://www.lubavitch.com/donate/keren-hashana/
Many years ago, the Lubavitcher Rebbe established “Keren Hashana,” a fund that will also disburse your tzedaka to worthy causes, daily, giving you the benefit of this mitzvah every day of the year!
You can give as little as 5 cents per day ($17.75 for the year) for you, and if you want, each of your family members, which will ensure that you and your family don’t go a day without giving tzedaka.
Don’t wait! These organizations are a lifesaver and now is the time to take care of this.
Lastly, don’t forget that “causing others to give tzedakah is greater than giving tzedakah yourself” (Bava Basra 9). Therefore, pass this on! By forwarding this to friends and family, who knows how many people will sign up for this great mitzvah and how much of an effect it will have on your neshama going into Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur.
Emuna Daily 