The Significance of Sukkah

The word “Sukkah” (plural: “Sukkot”) literally means a “shaded booth,” and the Torahgives us a mysterious directive to hang out in these makeshift huts for seven days. Why? So that future generations know about the time when G-d made the Israelites  live in  Sukkot  after the Exodus from Egypt. Seems straightforward, right? Except there's a twist: the Torahdoesn’t actually mention any booths during the 40-year wilderness adventure. Instead, it’s all tents, tents, and more tents! So, why do we still stay in these temporary booths each year?

Enter Rabbi Eliezer, with an explanation that’s as uplifting as the  Clouds of Glory  themselves. According to him, these “booths” are actually a nod to the divine cloud cover that protected the Israelites during their 40-year desert journey. These clouds were the ultimate multi-functional security system: they shielded from the scorching sun, flattened mountains, wiped out creepy crawlies, kept clothes sparkling clean, and even provided the Israelites with GPS through the desert! So, when we sit in our Sukkahs, we're commemorating this miraculous cloud-turned-booth experience.

Rabbi Akiva has a different opinion on Sukkahs altogether, claiming these Sukkaswere actual shacks that our ancestors lived in during their wilderness trek. Then, why celebrate living in what could generously be described as “rustic accommodations?” Well, these humble abodes remind us of our roots and the simple life we led as a new nation. It's like a spiritual reset button, reminding us to be grateful for what we have today and the divine protection we’ve always enjoyed.

Unlike most mitzvotthat involve specific parts of the body, dwelling in a Sukkahis an all-encompassing experience. Whether you're noshing on holiday meals, sipping a cold drink, or just reading a good book, your entire being is wrapped up in this mitzvah . The chassidic masters even note that it elevates the mundane. Eating, drinking, or lounging in the Sukkah(sometimes, even when it’s raining ) becomes a spiritual act – so go ahead, put your feet up and bask in the holiness!

The Sukkah is also a symbol of peace and unity. Our prayers refer to it as "Your Sukkahof peace," and the Talmud says that “all Israel are fit to dwell in one Sukkah.” Unlike the lulavand etrog, which represent a unity of differences (more on that in our article on the significance of the Four Kinds ), the  Sukkah  is an equalizer. It welcomes everyone under its leafy roof without distinctions. It’s the original one-size-fits-all  mitzvah  .

In fact, according to the Talmud, when the Messiah comes, we'll all sit together in one giant Sukkahfor a festive meal. So grab your hammers and nails, or one of our tool-less assembly Sukkahkits , and let's build some unity (and a few good meals ) under the stars!