Sukkot is called zman simchateinu — the time of our joy.

But what happens when Yom Tov arrives and you don’t necessarily feel that way?

In this special Erev Sukkot shiur, Rav Shlomo Katz and the chevra of Shirat David learn a remarkable Torah from R’ Leibele Eiger that opens up a completely different way of entering the chag. Maybe the joy of Sukkot isn’t something we have to produce or prove. Maybe there is something much deeper taking place simply by walking into the sukkah.

A shiur for anyone who wants to enter Sukkot with a little less pressure, and a little more openness to what this Yom Tov is giving us.
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Chapters

00:00 Opening Dedications and Memorials for the Month of Tishrei
01:30 Why I'm Giving a Shiur on Sukkot This Year
03:18 R’ Leibele Eiger’s Teaching on Sukkot as Our Joy Time
05:31 Comparing Sukkot to Pesach and Shavuot
07:01 Sukkot as Unity of Giver and Receiver
15:55 Closing Thoughts and Final Blessings
22:44 Connecting Sukkot Topics to the Teaching
25:11 Quote from Rabbi Chanania ben Akashia on Torah and Mitzvot

Rav Shlomo Katz and Rabbi Stewart Weiss explore the concept of Mesirut Nefesh (self-sacrifice) during the annual memorial for Ari Weiss Hy"d, who fell in battle after Sukkot.

Drawing on letters from the Lubavitcher Rebbe and teachings from the Vilna Gaon on overcoming hatred (Sinat Chinam), they redefine heroism not just as physical bravery on the battlefield, but as daily restraint, holding back in arguments, refusing to judge others, and making space in our hearts for every fellow Jew.

Rav Shlomo Katz explores the poignant transition from Hoshana Rabbah into Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah.

Citing the liturgical prayers (Ani VaHo Hoshia Na) and Rav Kook’s reflections on domestic holiness, Rav Shlomo teaches how to carry the security experienced inside the temporary hut (Dirat Arai) back into our permanent homes (Habayit), trusting that Hashem seeks us out (Doresh Otanu) and desires an ongoing conversation all year round.