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Sukkot! That wonderful time of year when we trade in the comfort of our homes for a temporary structure, brave the elements , and enjoy meals under the stars. But why do we do this? Is it just for the fun of it (and let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a good outdoor meal ), or is there something deeper we’re meant to learn?
Let’s break it down, and see why the Sukkah isn’t just a backyard project but a spiritual one as well.
A Trip Down Memory Lane: What’s the Deal with Sukkot?
Sukkot takes us back to the days when the Beit HaMikdash (the Holy Temple) stood, and the People of Israel would bring all sorts of sacrifices, including the Chagigah offering, while making their pilgrimage to Jerusalem. But the holiday isn’t just about remembering the sacrifices; it’s also about stepping back in time, to when our ancestors lived in the wilderness after leaving Egypt.
Clouds of Glory: The Ultimate Shelter
The Gemara in tractate Sukkah (11a) has a beautiful explanation about the true essence of the Sukkah . According to Rabbi Eliezer, the Sukkot mentioned in the Torah were none other than the Clouds of Glory that protected the People of Israel in the desert. These clouds weren’t your average rain clouds – they were divine! They shielded, guided, and enveloped the people with G-d’s presence. Imagine walking through the desert with a heavenly canopy over your head, providing not just shelter, but a constant reminder that G-d was with you every step of the way.
When we sit in the Sukkah today, we’re tapping into that feeling of dependence on G-d. Just like our ancestors had their food , clothing, and very survival provided by Him in the desert, the Sukkah reminds us that everything we have comes from G-d.
Why Tishrei? Isn’t Spring a Better Time for Outdoor Activities?
This is one of those questions that really makes you think. If Sukkot is all about leaving our homes to remember G-d’s protection, why don’t we celebrate it in the spring, when the weather’s perfect for a week of outdoor dining?
The answer is as simple as it is profound: G-d wants us to do the mitzvah of Sukkah for the sake of the mitzvah itself. In the spring, everyone naturally wants to be outside anyway. But in the fall, when the weather is cooling down, sitting outside is less about comfort and more about connecting to the deeper meaning of Sukkot. It’s about stepping out of our warm homes and into the Sukkah because G-d asked us to.
A Reminder of Our True Home: Olam HaBah
Many mitzvot, including the mitzvah of dwelling in a Sukkah , are here to remind us that this world is temporary. Our true home is in Olam HaBah (the World to Come), and the Sukkah is a symbol of that. When we build and dwell in the Sukkah , we’re expressing our closeness to G-d. There’s even a beautiful teaching that says when we build a Sukkah in this world, G-d builds a Sukkah for us on the Day of Judgment, protecting us in times of difficulty.
It’s like having a spiritual insurance policy. How’s that for divine protection?
Together Under One Roof: Unity in the Sukkah
Now, here’s where things get really interesting. The Torah commands us to sit in the Sukkah for seven days in Leviticus 23:42. The Gemara (Sukkah 27b) explains that while we can’t use someone else’s lulav , we can absolutely share a Sukkah. In fact, the Gemara suggests that all the People of Israel could theoretically live under one giant Sukkah!
What’s the message here? Sukkot isn’t just about you and your family – it’s about the entire Jewish community [link to refer a friend]. It’s a time to focus on unity , peace, and harmony with those around us. So, while you’re decorating your Sukkah or enjoying a festive meal , take a moment to think about how we’re all part of the same big spiritual family.
…although with expandable Sukkahs , you’ll be able to fit your entire physical family in there too!
Sukkot reminds us of G-d’s constant presence and protection, of the temporary nature of this world, and of the importance of unity. By building a Sukkah and welcoming others into it, we’re not just fulfilling a mitzvah – we’re bringing ourselves closer to G-d and to each other. And who knows? Maybe this will be the year that we merit to see the Messiah, sitting together under one big, beautiful Sukkah.
Now, who’s bringing the Schach?
