Why the Soldier’s Face was Shining all Succot as told by Rabbi Fischel Schachter
When I heard this, it brought tears to my eyes cause it filled me with such yearning for the intensity of joy when I sit in my own Succah that that Czarist soldier felt so many years ago.
It also makes me wonder about the experiences of my own great-great grandfather, Matvei, who was a Cantonist like the hero of this story. Something interesting: I’m named after Matvei’s daughter, Jenny. And my father was named Matthew after Matvei (Russian for Matthew). So just like my great grandmother I’m Jenny the daughter of Matthew. Chag sameach!
Thanks for sharing!! Simchas Hamitzvah is such a important component which we often forget.