The Simcha of Fulfilling a Mitzvah

It was a cold first day of Sukkos, and the first Slonimer Rebbe, the Yesod HaAvodah, was on his way to shul. He passed a Jewish soldier and saw an otherworldly light coming from him. The Rebbe asked him, "I see a great light emanating from you. Please tell me what great deed you have done."

At first the soldier denied it, but after much pushing and prodding he relented and told his tale.

"Yesterday was the first night of Sukkos, and I know the importance of eating at least a kezayis (an olive-sized portion) of bread in the sukkah. But I am a conscripted soldier stationed on duty. What was I to do?

"There was a high fence surrounding my position, where I stood guard, forbidden from deserting my post. I noticed that over the fence was a Jewish home, and there, in the backyard, stood a small sukkah. I decided that when all the guards left, I would have my chance. I hid a small piece of bread in my pocket and waited and waited all night. I knew I had to get in before chatzos (midnight), because the mitzvah is to eat a kezayis in the sukkah before chatzos.

"Finally, about a quarter of an hour before midnight, my opportunity arrived. I saw all the guards leave. I leaped over the fence, dashed into the sukkah, made a beracha and ate my bread in the sukkah. Then I made a mad dash back over the fence and once more took up my position as guard. I had risked my life, but it was worth it. I was so happy."

"Hmm," said the Rebbe skeptically. "For this alone I cannot imagine you would shine so. What else did you do that night?"

"Nothing else . . . well, I was so happy that I had done the mitzvah of sukkah in the most beautiful manner that I danced all night long."

"Aha," said the Rebbe. "Now I see why you shine with such a light."