Rabbi Judah ben Bezalel Lowe, known as the Maharal of Prague was famous among Jews and non-Jews alike. He was a mystic who was revered for his holiness and Torah scholarship, as well as his proficiency in mathematics, astronomy, and other sciences. Eventually, word of his greatness reached the ears of Emperor Rudolph II.
The Emperor invited the Maharal to his castle on February 23, 1592. There they conversed for one and a half hours, and developed a mutual respect for each other.
Rabbi Judah Lowe made use of his excellent connections with the Emperor, often intervening on behalf of his community when it was threatened by anti-Semitic attacks or oppression.
Rabbi Jonah said, “The prophet Jonah ben Amitai was just another pilgrim to the Temple. He walked into the Sukkot celebration, the divine spirit rested upon him, and he became a prophet.”
The Magid of Mezritch taught:
Joy is the path to the divine.
And Sukkot is a time for joy.
A joy that can lift everyone to the highest heights, regardless of where they stand right now.