Through a Wide-Angle Lens
This is the first time in over 13 years that an issue of Torah Tidbits spans so many days. This is due to a combination of the Holiday schedule this year, the size of Torah Tidbits, and the availability of our wonderful volunteers, without whom, you would probably not be reading these words.

Usually, the Lead Tidbit presents a picture with a close-up or zoom lens, or occasionally with a "regular" lens. This time, as the title announces, we have the opportunity to use a wide angle lens.

Within a relatively short period of time - we can measure it as the range of this "monster" issue #688 - we complete the 40 day period designated for intensive introspection, T'shuva, and turning over many new leaves. The period intensified as Elul approached Rosh HaShana, and then yielded to Tishrei and the Aseret Y'mei T'shuva. The culmination, of course is Yom Kippur, a serious, somber, but amazingly joyous day, as only can happen when one feels a close relationship with G-d, that includes YIR'A (fear and reverence) and hopefully a large amount of AHAVA - love of G-d, love of Torah and Mitzvot, and love of others, as well.

The mood of Yom Kippur is not allowed to cool, as we are immediately caught up in preparations for the particularly busy holiday of Sukkot. With Sukka to build and decorate, Abra'a Minim to buy and bind, festive meals to prepare for family and guests, perhaps some new clothes for Yom Tov -- we are able to translate our new resolve and commitment to Torah Life from words, thought, and feelings, into action. The fact that the mitzva of Sukka is to Live in it, a mitzva performed with our entire beings, is most significant. Then we celebrate Torah, which is the bottom line of it all. And then, on Shabbat B'reishit, we start to get back to normal, but a better and improved normal, that brings us to new heights.