The Navi Journey, Megillas Koheles

Many congregations read Megillas Koheles on Succos, the chag that brings us out of our homes and into a “diras araiy,” a temporary dwelling. We are reminded that our stay in this world is temporary and therefore must be utilized for productive growth. In this Megillah, we are guided through words of ruach hakodesh how to internalize the uplifting growth of the Yamim Nora’im and incorporate a balanced living of gashmiyus and ruchniyus into our daily lives.

Simchah is mentioned repeatedly, more than any other word in the Megillah, teaching how one is to utilize the gifts given to them from Hashem. Utilize your wealth and happiness for service of Hashem and then simchah of this world was achieved properly. Otherwise, all happiness of life is meaningless and its outcome empty. Megillas Koheles warns of the dangers of amassing wealth and celebrating with it in earthly pursuits.

Instead, one should use wealth to fulfill mitzvos and build their yiras Shamayim; acquiring a portion in Olam Habbah. A person is encouraged to feel simchah with the berachah given them but beware to stand clear of the constant temptation which leads to getting lost in stature and pleasures of this world. Koheles concludes with a goal that brings together the message of the entire Megillah: Leave this world with Yiras Hashem, an awareness that Hashem is around him always and Who takes constant loving interest in him for his success. This is the formula for true simchah in this world.