[HANASHIR:17001] Re: V'samachta B'chagecha

[Sholom Simon <sholom...>]

> Actually, Sholom, your argument changed my mind from being against using
> V'samachta for Purim to being in favor of it.  Just because it is a
> quote from the Torah doesn't mean it can only applies to the Shalosh
> Regalim.  Since the p'shat of the text doesn't have anything other than
> 'be happy, it's a holiday' why not use it for all 'happy' holidays.

I actually tried not to express an opinion on whether one should use it
for all happy holidays.

But the context is clear: it's not "be happy it's a holiday".

Read chapter 16 of Devarim (Deuteronomy).  First, the text lists the three
holidays of Pesach, Shavuot, and Sukkot -- and then the first two words of
16:14 are "V'samachta, b'chagecha . . " and then the last three words of
16:15 are "v'hayisi chag sameach".

In fact, the strongest argument al pi p'shat is that this is a commandment
to be happy on Sukkot.

Further, I will point to the very next words after "chag sameach", which
are: "three time shall you appear... on Chag HaMatzot, on Chag HaShavuot,
and Chag HaSukkot."

So, whether the song is applicable to Purim, I take no sides.

But the context of the _verse_ is pretty clear: either Sukkot alone, or
the shalosh regalim.

-- Sholom



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