More Prayers

Traditionally, the period following Yom Kippur until the end of Succot, is the happiest time of the year.

After weeks of reciting Selichot, and the intense prayers of the Rosh Hashanah and the Day of Atonement, we feel a sense of satisfaction that we achieved a certain closeness to Hashem.

Nevertheless, we are given until the seventh day of Succot, Hoshana Rabah, to make a final push for forgiveness, and to make our requests for the coming year.

The Talmud teaches that rain during Succot, is a bad sign. If the rain takes place while we are eating a festive meal in our Succah, and we are driven out of our Succah, because of the rain, Hashem is pushing us away. It is meant to be a wake-up call, that more soul searching is necessary.

The fact that rain on Succot in Israel is highly unlikely, it is a good idea for us to continue with our prayers and our absolute dependence on G-d.

This is particularly true at this time, when we are so close towards achieving peace, and bringing our hostages home. Intense prayers are needed by everyone to tip the scale on our behalf. Great things are ahead for our people. This can only come about when we realize that everything is in Hashem’s hands.

With His help and the help of our prayers and soul searching, this period will witness incredible joy and happiness, almost on the level of the days of the Beit Hamikdash.