A Lesson for the Simchat Torah Ushers at the Residence of Rabbi Eliezer Berland

As in every year, this year too, the Hakafot (dancing with the Torah) procession took place on the night of Simchat Torah upon returning from the Kotel (Western Wall) through the Muslim Quarter and Damascus Gate, with the participation of thousands led by our teacher, Rabbi Eliezer Berland shlit"a. The procession took place in the merit of one hundred ushers from Anash (our community) who took it upon themselves to stand guard so that the procession would pass in peace and joy.

These ushers merited to enter the inner sanctum on Monday night, the 27th of Tishrei, during the week of Parshat Noach (the Torah portion of Noah). Below is a summary of the lesson that was delivered:

The Rav shlit"a began the lesson with the topic of Parshat Noach, as mentioned in the Midrash Rabbah, stating that Noah endured one hundred and twenty years of bizyonos (humiliations), where people told him that if a flood were to come, it would be because of him. In this merit, he merited to continue the existence of the world.

He then discussed the generation of Enosh and the generation of the Dispersion (the Tower of Babel) mentioned in Parshat Bereishis. The Rav elaborated on the calculation of at what age Enosh worshipped idols and when he returned in teshuvah (repentance). Likewise, the Rav dealt with the story of the city of Luz, how it was conquered by the man who hinted to them where the entrance was located. He also discussed the topic from Torah 85, Part II (of Likutey Moharan), "Through the way of Luz one enters the House of G-d."

Afterward, he spoke about the greatness of the days following Simchat Torah, which are considered like Isru Chag (the day after the festival) in the merit of the prayers together with the Tzaddik. He expanded on additional matters. During the second half of the lesson, the Rav spoke extensively about stories from the Tanach (Bible), such as the war of Deborah and Jael against Sisera, and cited the verse regarding the tribe of Zebulun, "to help without a double heart," meaning they completely nullified their hearts to the words of Deborah the Prophetess. He also brought the account of David's war in Ziklag. He spoke of the story of the woman from Zarephath who, in the merit of hosting the Tzaddik—Elijah the Prophet—merited an abundance that never ended... The Rav encouraged everyone to learn a chapter of Tanach (Bible) every day together with their wives. Toward the end of the lesson, he delved into the complex topic of "mustard and bees" with great depth, covering all its components, commentators, aspects, and the differing opinions on the matter. After about an hour of a fiery lesson, the Rav blessed the ushers, in whose merit they were able to dance again this year at the Kotel (Western Wall). He then recited Kaddish and went out for the Arvit (evening) prayer with the large assembly.