Sukkot: Temporary But Eternal
This is the season of three Jewish holidays, marking 3 different, yet connected occasions: Rosh Hashanah (The Jewish New Year also known as the Feast of Trumpets); Yom Kippur (The Day of Atonement), and Sukkot (The Feast of Tabernacles, Tents, or Booths).
As soon as Yom Kippur is over, you can hear the sound of hammers in many areas of Israel, as families happily build their Sukkah. Fathers and children work together to set up the tent, where they will “live” during the seven days of the Feast.
When the Israelites were wandering in the desert for 40 years after escaping from Egypt, they dwelt in a temporary shelter called Sukkah (the plural in Hebrew is “Sukkot”). The Sukkah therefore is a temporary dwelling structure commonly in the form of a booth. In our modern times, we celebrate the feast of Sukkot by building a Sukkah and having a week-long celebration to commemorate God’s faithfulness to our ancestors during the 40 years in the desert. The Sukkah though being a temporary structure is a powerful reminder that only G-d creates a real sense of security and protection.
As a child, I eagerly waited for this occasion. My Dad worked very hard as a mechanic, and this was the only major task we did together. In fact, watching him build most of our Sukkah made me feel so proud of him! It was such a joy to sit in the Sukkah with Dad and Mom and enjoy the meals that Mom cooked!
The Sukkah, which is built of four robust beams, palm tree branches for the roof, and fabric, or bamboo for walls, must be built on a porch or outside in the backyard or garden. In this temporary construction, the family eats meals and sometimes sleeps during the seven days of the Feast. It is a great occasion for family reunion.
TRADITIONS: THE FEAST OF SUKKOT
The celebration of Sukkot has a few traditions worth noting. One of my favorite traditions during the Feast of Sukkot is that of welcoming guests and celebrating together. In this spirit of unity and brotherhood, we remember the past, enjoy the present, and prepare for the future.
Another great tradition is reflecting on the concept of the “Four Species.” The Four Species symbolizes four types of Jewish people: 1) The Etrog (citrus fruit) has a good taste and a good fragrance. It represents a species of Jewish people who exhibit both wisdom (Torah learning) and good deeds; 2) The Hadass (myrtle) has a good fragrance but is inedible. It represents a species of people who have good deeds but lack wisdom; 3) The Lulav (date palm) is edible but has no smell. It represents people with wisdom but without good deeds; and 4) the Aravah (willow) which neither has taste nor smell. This represents people with neither good deeds nor Torah learning. By holding them together, the Four Species represent the power of Jewish people with all their varying qualities and characteristics, and yet still united despite their differences.
CELEBRATING THE HIGH HOLIDAYS
A’m Israel (the People of Israel) have gone through so many troubles over thousands of years. These troubles didn’t necessarily end when we returned to the Land of our forefathers to form the modern state of Israel. We have fought existential threats and suffered needless wars at the hands of our enemies. Notwithstanding all these attempts from our enemies to erase us from the map, this Holy Land still stands!
In this day, when Israeli society is in turmoil, I caution our enemies not to gloat and think that the State of Israel and its people are weak, vulnerable, and just passing by. Like the Sukkot in the wilderness that we have faithfully commemorated for thousands of years, we the Jewish people, have faithfully returned to our ancient land, the Land of Israel, under G-d’s watchful eye. We draw our strength from Him. He alone has planted and rooted us deeply in the Holy Land; He will sustain us forever! This Sukkot, we commemorate G-d’s faithfulness over the Jewish people and Eretz Israel (The Land of Israel).
Chag Sukkot Sameach (Happy Sukkot) to you and your loved ones!
