"Fortunate is he who did not sin!
One who did should return
And will be forgiven"
This is the song that was taught at the annual "Simchas Beis Hashoeva" festivities in the Beis Hamikdash (1)
Which sin are they referring to? And why was the the song of choice?
They were hinting to Lust, and fantasies of the heart. This is symbolized by lighting up the sanctuary with massive candelabras full of wicks made from worn out trousers and belts of the kohanim, which illuminated the entire city of Yerushalayim (2), and we know that those articles of clothing are designed to atone (3) for גילוי עריות and הרהורי הלב.
We also find that the building code in the Beis Hamikdash did not allow any additions or extensions, yet permission was granted to allow construction to separate women from men at the time of "Simchas Beis Hashoeva".
This acted as a safeguard, but may have served primarily to highlight what the festivity represented - the joy of being in control of our Taavos and the ability to connect to our Neshama
What was the goal?
The Gemara continues to tell us that "Beis Hashoeva" was actually a wellspring of Ruach Hakodesh.
Explains the Satmar Rebbe z"l (4) - Our sages teach us (5) that "אין אדם עובר עבירה אא״כ נכנס בו רוח שטות. So long as one is beholden and overtaken by their base desires they are disconnected from the spirit. But one who never sinned or has repented, is now able to return and tap into "ונחה עליו רוח השם".
Alternately the construction of separation between genders was the key to the door of Ruach Hakodesh, as the Midrash says "כל מקום שאתה מוצא גדר ערוה אתה מוצא קדושה"
Fortunate is he who did not sin!
One who did should return thru GYE,
And will be forgiven if he follows the steps provided ;-)
I am forever grateful to GYE for showing me the light - Yaacov and all my brothers. May we all share in it together b'ezras Hashem and dance together with Moshiach bb"a!
Mark
1) Succah 53a:
2) Succah 51a
3) Based on Zevachim 88b See בן יהוידע
4) Moadim 1 pg 392
5) Sotah 3a