More Discussions for this daf
1. Ezras Nashim 2. Answering Amen in the Shul of Alexandria 3. Enjoying the Show
4. Yonah ha'Navi and Simchas Beis ha'Sho'evah 5. Yonah Ha'Navi and Simchas Beis Ha'Sho'evah 6. Recessed Rows of Stones in the Beis ha'Mikdash
7. Yerushalmi vs. Bavli 8. עזרת נשים 9. רש״י ד״ה באבוקות של אור
10. רש״י ד״ה באבוקות של אור
DAF DISCUSSIONS - SUKAH 51

Azi Gendelman asks:

It says in 51b sukkah that someone who didnt see the fire juggling during simchat bet hashoeva didnt see simcha

why isnt this the same as watching a ball game that gives one pleasure?

Azi Gendelman

The Kollel replies:

1) The difference is that it was clear that the celebration of the Simchas Beis ha'Sho'evah was a spiritual one with an inner content, something clearly lacking in a ball game. This can be seen from the fact that it was "Chasidim and men of deeds" who danced and juggled. The Rambam (Hichos Lulav 8:14) writes that not everyone who wished was permitted to celebrate in this way. It was only the Gedolei and Chochmei Yisrael, the greatest Jews and the Sages, the Roshei Yeshivot, the Sanhedrin, and the Chasidim, the elders and the men of deeds, who danced and clapped and played instruments and rejoiced. The rest of the people were spectators and listeners to the rejoicing.

2) We learn from this that the rejoicing was a spirtual one, which is why it was not easy for everyone to reach the full appreciation of it. The Sages had a full awareness that the reason why we are rejoicing is because we have gained the merit of possessing the Beis ha'Mikdash, which enables us to approach and come close to Hash-m.

3) The Ritva (53a, DH Im) elaborates further and writes that all of the great rejoicing was a form of thanksgiving to Hash-m for all the good things He does for Klal Yisrael by letting His Shechinah dwell amongst us. We also show our happiness at the World to Come which Hash-m gives to the Tzadikim. This is why the rejoicing was celebrated only by the greatest people of the nation, so that it should not look like the frivolous partying of youngsters. The Tzadikim sang praises of Hash-m. All this is very different from a sport game, a way of self-focused entertainment and pleasure, that does not elevate the soul nor inspire a person to reach greater levels in his service of Hash-m.

Kol Tuv,

Dovid Bloom