Sukkos Thoughts

Sukkos: Humility

Rav Tzadok of Lublin (1823 – 1900) points out a fascinating idea. We know that sukkos is all about recognizing the frailty of life and going outside of our permanent homes and sitting in the temporary sukkah. This change is a wakeup call and helps us focus our priories of what is really most important in life. The last words in Sukkah Perek Hayashain is the verse, “ulianavim yitain chane, to the humble is favor.” The entire theme of the sukkah is to inspire one to be more humble and to recognize himself and what his life is all about. Hence, it is most apropos that this section should end with that verse.

Succos and Yaakov

We know that the Tur brings down in the name of his brother that Rosh Hashanah represents Yitzchok as it is a time of din, judgement. Yom Kippur is chessed, kindness of Hashem and thus represents Avraham and Sukkos is Yaakov as it says, for his cattle he made sukkos. What is this all about?

We find some interesting things by sukkos which is not found elsewhere. The Gemarah tells us that the entire Jewish nation can sit in one sukkah. We find that the sukkah reminds us of the sukkah of the livyason fish, which in the time of moshiach will be a special meal that tzaddikim are all invited to sit and partake of. We find that every one of the Ushpizin comes to visit specifically over this yom tom unlike other yomim tovim which are said to only represent one person. Rav Hutner points out that over sukkos the korbonos that are brought are double the amount that we usually find. Normally we bring 1 ram and 7 sheep, but on sukkos we bring 2 rams and 14 sheep, what is this all about?

As stated Sukkos corresponds to Yaakov. Yaakov was a double Av in the sense that because originally he was supposed to have a partnership of Yaakov and Esav, who would have both been avos, when he got Eisav’s lot, he maintained an all inclusive aspect.

This double aspect is the synthesis of chessed and din. In Tishrei the world was created bemachshavah, in God’s thought according to Tosfos and in Nisson it was created in action. Why do we celebrate Rosh Hashanah in Tishrei, if that is just the thought time? Because in Hashem’s machshavah, He was going to create the world in din, judgment, but in action, since it couldn’t stand on din, he created it with rachamim, by adding kindness. This kindness is represented by the month of Nisson which has Pesach, the ultimate holiday of Hashem’s kindness. Thus, sukkos, which was supposed to be in Nisson right when Hashem took the Jews out of mitzrayim, yet is placed in Tishrei, right after the din of the yomim noraim, has both the aspect of din and rachamim in it. This is the trait of Yaakov Aveinu.

We find perek lulav hagazul, the stolen lulav, specicially in Meseches Sukkah. Yaakov’s trait was absolute honesty, titen emes liyaakov and thus there is no tolerance for a stolen lulav. Erchotz binikayon kapi and n’ki kapayim u’var leivav is what Yaakov is all about. This is why the Yom Tov of sukkos, which represents Yaakov has so many themes of kindness, the protection of Hashem and the inclusion of everyone. We have hakel this time of year, read koheles (which means gathering) and we do hakafos.

Sukkos: Busy Month

Someone asked me why this time of the year is so jammed packed with Yomim Tovim, Jewish holidays? We go from Rosh Hashanah to Yom Kippur to Sukkos to Shmini Atzeres/Simchas Torah. They are all such beautiful celebrations, but why could they not have been spaced further apart on the calendar?! An excellent question.

Why Seven Days?
Also, another great question I was asked is, if Sukkos commemorates the protection (by cloud or hut) that Hashem gave us in the desert, then why is it specifically celebrated for seven days, wouldn’t one day have been sufficient to remember the desert protection?! I believe that these are all points worth pondering. The simplest answer to why the calendar is so packed is because all four Holidays are related. But there’s a lot more.

Catching the Inspiration
We spend the entire Rosh Hashanah making Hashem the King over us. After coming to that deep and powerful recognition, we then desired to apologize to Him for all of ours sins, this is what Yom Kippur is all about, bridging the gap that our sins created. We are then inspired and moved to become better. This is a great way to begin our year! So then what is Sukkos all about?! The answer is that Sukkos is a continuation of that theme. Sukkos expresses the message of: Great, you were inspired, you have realized that you want to be a better person, and now how are you going to make it last? Sukkos shows us how to grab onto the inspiration of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur and to apply it further! How so?

Protection
The word “Sukkah” means “protective covering”. Hashem wants us to protect and insure that our inspiration continues! How is this done? When we remember how Hashem took us out of Egypt and protected us and cared for us in the desert, we are reminded of all the good that Hashem continues to do for us to this day! We spend time eating, drinking, sleeping and enjoying the company of our family and this brings us to warm and strong feelings of gratitude for all of the bounty that Hashem has bestowed upon us. In fact, the Gemara says that the preferred shchach, Sukkah “roofing”, is to be made precisely from the “psoles goren v’yekev, one’s crops”. This is the time of year that one’s field is producing its fruits. Hashem wants us to build the Sukkah out of some of the crops in order that we should see them and remember all that He has given us so kindly.

Torah Celebration
The climax of all of these good feelings is the Holiday of Shmini Atzeres/Simchas Torah. On this special day we celebrate and accept upon ourselves to live by the Torah. It is only after the recognitions and clarity of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur and the effort to implement their lessons taught by Sukkos that we now arrive at Shmini Atzeres. This is the ultimate conclusion. After realizing the kindness and care of Hashem through Sukkos’ message, we graduate to Simchas Torah to accept His Torah out of pure joy and love.

From Hashem
It is even deeper than this. The Gemara states that the bare minimum requirement of a Sukkah in regards to walls is two full size walls and one smaller wall at the end. The Arizal points out that this corresponds to an arm giving a hug! Our hand starts at the shoulder and contains two long bones attached at the elbow joint and finally one small section beginning at the wrist. Hence, a Sukkah, says the Arizal, is a hug, so-to-speak from Hashem!

I believe that what is being stated here is as we have explained. Sukkos is a time of love and appreciation towards Hashem. If one wants to keep all that he has gained from the Yomim Nora’im, days of awe, this can be achieved through feeling Hashem’s kindness towards him! This in turn will lead to the embracing of the Torah on Simchas Torah! Sukkos is specifically seven days long in order to cover the span of an entire week. Each day will be celebrated with this focus of gratitude. An entire week with this outlook will have a profound and far-reaching impact on a person. The calendar is loaded with this message as this is the most powerful way to start off the Jewish year. May we all share a beautiful and meaningful Sukkos and Shmini Atzeres/Simchas Torah!

Sukkos: Seven Stages to Greatness

Over Sukkos, we find a fascinating phenomenon based on Zohar of inviting the Ushpizin, the seven faithful shepherds of the Jewish Nation. The following essay reflects the depth of this mystical time of the year as the verse (Vayikra 23:43; Devarim 4:35) describes Sukkos as an opportunity to achieve “Daas, intimate knowledge of Hashem”.

The Yalkut Reuveni (quoting Sefer Tenumah) points out that all seven of the leaders have a significant mention of the number seven relating to them in the Torah.
1- Avraham: dug seven wells.
2- Yitzchok: named the city of Be’er Sheva.
3- Yaakov: offered to work seven years for Rachel.
4- Moshe: saved the seven daughters of Yisro and married Tzipporah.
5- Aharon: married Elisheva (her name contains the word seven in it).
6- Yosef: was seventeen when sold down to Egypt, and Tanach mentions the word ‘bundles’ seven times when describing his dream (see there for more explanation).
7- Dovid: married BasSheva (her name contains the word seven in it).

The lesson is that each one of their seven traits combines together to form the ultimate Adam HaShalem, complete person. Each of these leaders possessed all of the seven qualities, but specialized and dominantly personified their specific attribute.
The other time during the year that we note these seven traits is when counting seven weeks to Shavuos. There, during each week, we develop one trait in preparation for Kabbalas HaTorah. Sukkos, in contrast, only provides one day for each of the middos. This is because in this time of the year, as we just came from the most awe-inspiring Yomim Nora’im, we have the ability to develop the traits in a faster manner. Some people study the respective shepherd’s trait on his specific day starting from the first night of Sukkos (Avraham) through Hoshanah Rabbah (Dovid), the seventh day. Indeed, one who grows from this process, is truly ready for the Kabbalas HaTorah of Shmini Atzeres and Simchas Torah! I will present a brief summary and explanation of each one, according to the order of the Arizal.
Just as the Kallah walks around her Chosson seven times under the Chupah, marriage canopy, so too, our Sukkah represents a Chupah with Hashem and we also have these seven stages.

The Chosson and Kallah are engaged. They have decided to join their lives together. There are ten (three plus seven as we will explain) stages that must be utilized to build together this bond, just as the world is built upon Ten Sefiros (and the corresponding Ten Utterances of creation).

The relationship must have an intellectual foundation. Thus, the first Three Sefiros, relating to Mochin, thoughts and the brain, begin the process. After this comes the physical and emotional infrastructure of their marriage, the Seven Lower Sefiros. The Mochin is represented by Rosh Hashana, Yom Kippur and Sukkos (in general), this is Chochma, Binah and Daas (further extrapolation is beyond the scope of this article, suffice it to say that their translation is: intellectual cognizance/knowledge, understanding goals; connecting.)

After the “brain” of this Adam HaShalem is constructed, we move on the the seven components of his body, which also correspond to emotion. With the completion of these ten stages we now understand why the beracha of “Yotzer HaAdam, building man”, is said at Sheva Berachos and why Sukkos is the Yom Tov which culminated with Simchas Torah. The development of these themes creates the Ultimate Person, connected to the Torah.

In constructing the body, there are seven components. They are: (1) Right Arm, (2) Left Arm, (3) Torso/Body, (4) Right Leg, (5) Left Leg, (6) Productivity and (7) the Final Seal to dedicate his existence exclusively to Hashem. Here is a summary; I suggest studying one middah on its corresponding day of Sukkos while pondering the depth, beauty and lesson which it entails.

1. Avraham: חסד- Kindness: Avraham stood for the trait of kindness. This trait is the way to begin a relationship. The liturgy (Yom Kippur) states “like the chessed on the face of the Chosson, so the Cohen appeared!”

Avraham was the start of our nation; Zohar states that he “did chessed with Hashem”, meaning, he opened up his heart to dedicate himself to Hashem. Just as Hashem created the world with chessed, “Olam Chessed Yibaneh”, so too Avraham discovered and taught the world about Hashem by recognizing all of the chessed that Hashem does for us in this amazing world.
The Gemara in Kiddushin specifically learns a fundamental relating to marriage law from Avraham, “Kicha Kicha Mi’Sdey Efron”.
From the visiting angel’s question to Avraham about how Sarah was doing, we learn the importance of Shalom Bayis, marital harmony. The foundation of this Shalom is chessed, care for the other.
The Right Hand is the dominant hand, it represents the power of sharing with others. Avraham embody the trait of chessed; he dedicated his life to care for others.

2. Yitzchok: גבורה- Strength: At first, this trait of scrutiny and introspection seems to contradict the kindness of Avraham, but in truth it is another level. It is the work to make the relationship jive.

Tefilla is the trait of Yitzchok as it entails a recognition that only the One Above can help us! Yitzchok’s life was filled with challenges. He was placed on the altar at the Akaida and fully accepted Hashem’s Will. He asked for yisurim, for he saw them as a way to bringing himself closer to Hashem.
One’s Left Hand is normally weaker, as is the dominance of this trait, for as much as Hashem created a world with limits and Din, the Right, chessed, is truly unlimited and dominates.

Yitzchok was the embodiment of silent introspection and exacting precision. Yitzchok stood for true commitment to Hashem through life troubles.

3. Yaakov: תפארת- Splendor / Balance: The splendor and beauty of this stage is that it signifies the harmony which could be achieved between its’ two contradictory predecessors. Yaakov was a balance of Ovaid and Ohaiv Hashem; he personified the ultimate connection to Torah. His family and wealth was built on absolute truth. He never compromised his Torah and truth even when dealing with Lavan, the world’s greatest crook.
Just as the Right and Left Hand seem unrelated until they are seen to be both connected to the Main Body/Torso of the person, actually functioning in beautiful cooperation for the good of the entire being, so does this trait manifests itself in realizing that both partners can have dissenting views yet can harmoniously resolve their disagreements by together combining their personal vantage points.
Yaakov worked with sheep, minted coins and set up cities (Shabbos 34a) and was involved in the outside world, yet he maintained his absolute purity and dedication to truth.

4. Moshe: נצח- Eternity: We get inspired, and often we fizzle out. We need to constantly rejuvenate our feelings and commitments. When Moshe brought down the Torah, our bond with Hashem was shown to be forever. There could be difficult times, but the bond was inseverable. One cannot move around on his own without his Right Foot. It is dominant and eternally connected to its’ function of transportation. So too Torah is life! Moshe is the quintessential selfless leader of the Jews; his Neshama is infused into our present day leaders (Gra, Mishley) and he will lead us again when Mashiach arrives (Zohar). His dedication is summed up by Hashem’s calling of him a true “Eved Hashem”.

5. Aharon: הוד- Beauty: Although we eat, breath and sleep in order to live, it did not have to be enjoyable. Yet Hashem, in His Infinite Wisdom and Kindness, made it so that one could enjoy the required chores of life while he does those obligatory acts! Aharon, with his magnificent Kohen Gadol vestments, showed the radiance and beauty of Avodas Hashem. Aharon pursues peace and harmony. He restored Shalom between husbands and wives and in friendships. He took דוה, a situation of ultimate pain, the worst suffering of two intimates fighting, and he showed them how to flip it around into הוד, a most blissful relationship. Aharon teaches us that the truthful Torah is also my happiness and enjoyment.
The Left Foot is not as strong as the right but in many ways is a partner in locomotion. Beauty is secondary to Truth, but together one is emotionally propelled and connected.

6. Yosef: יסוד- Building: Yosef is the leader and unifier of Klal Yisrael. He showed the brothers how to unify. All of the components are in place, we developed greatness, limits, harmony, truth and beauty; now we must produce from this. Yosef was challenged by the ultimate distractions in Egypt, yet he remained strong in his commitment to Hashem. He had amazing qualities to offer, but he would only produce for Hashem! “Yosef” means to add upon. He drew from all of the previous resources and ensured that one was as productive with all of those raw components as possible.

7. King Dovid: מלכות- Final Seal: All of the components are present and operational. However, who is this all for? Only to bring out Kavod Shamayim, the Glory of Hashem. This is the deepest recognition spelled out by the forsaken and trouble laden Dovid whose life was challenging and painful. Dovid remained strong and composed the most beautiful expressions of praise, love, crying to, and longing for closeness to Hashem.
Indeed, the 7th day of Sukkos is Hoshanah Rabbah, the final day of judgment spanning from Rosh Hashanah. Hashem sends out the decrees to be carried out. On this day, we strive to make Hashem our king as the culmination of Rosh Hashana, Yom Kippur and the statements of L’Dovid Hashem Ori. The ultimate hope is for Hashem to restore the downtrodden Sukkah of Dovid, by bringing Mashiach and rebuilding the Beis HaMikdash!

Wishing everyone a most happy and meaningful Yom Tov!

The Ultimate Wedding

Succos is a time of the year of great celebration. Just as a Chosson and Kallah receive their forgiveness before standing under the Chupa, so too, we went through Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur, great days of awe and repentance and then we stand under the sky under a canopy made of schach. We have seven days of celebration just as the Kallah walks around the Chosson seven times and celebrates Sheva Berachos. Just as the seforim state that deceased relatives are present at a wedding, so too, over Succos, we have the special Ushpizin guests, our holy ancestors who come to our wedding with Hashem. Just as a wedding is meant to increase simcha, so too, Succos is a time of V’Samachtah B’Chagecha. Just as a wedding is meant to bring out Kavod Shamayim and increase Torah learning, so too, the climax of Succos is that of Shemini Azeres and Simchas Torah, the deep celebration and embrasing of our dear Torah. There is even a Chosson TOrah and Chosson Bereishis! Wishing everyone beautiful Yom Tov.

Succos and Yaakov

We know that the Tur brings down in the name of his brother that Rosh Hashanah represents Yitzchok as it is a time of din, judgement. Yom Kippur is chessed, kindness of Hashem and thus represents Avraham and Sukkos is Yaakov as it says, for his cattle he made sukkos. What is this all about?

We find some interesting things by sukkos which is not found elsewhere. The Gemarah tells us that the entire Jewish nation can sit in one sukkah. We find that the sukkah reminds us of the sukkah of the livyason fish, which in the time of moshiach will be a special meal that tzaddikim are all invited to sit and partake of. We find that every one of the Ushpizin comes to visit specifically over this yom tom unlike other yomim tovim which are said to only represent one person. Rav Hutner points out that over sukkos the korbonos that are brought are double the amount that we usually find. Normally we bring 1 ram and 7 sheep, but on sukkos we bring 2 rams and 14 sheep, what is this all about?

As stated Sukkos corresponds to Yaakov. Yaakov was a double Av in the sense that because originally he was supposed to have a partnership of Yaakov and Esav, who would have both been avos, when he got Eisav’s lot, he maintained an all inclusive aspect.

This double aspect is the synthesis of chessed and din. In Tishrei the world was created bemachshavah, in God’s thought according to Tosfos and in Nisson it was created in action. Why do we celebrate Rosh Hashanah in Tishrei, if that is just the thought time? Because in Hashem’s machshavah, He was going to create the world in din, judgment, but in action, since it couldn’t stand on din, he created it with rachamim, by adding kindness. This kindness is represented by the month of Nisson which has Pesach, the ultimate holiday of Hashem’s kindness. Thus, sukkos, which was supposed to be in Nisson right when Hashem took the Jews out of mitzrayim, yet is placed in Tishrei, right after the din of the yomim noraim, has both the aspect of din and rachamim in it. This is the trait of Yaakov Aveinu.

We find perek lulav hagazul, the stolen lulav, specicially in Meseches Sukkah. Yaakov’s trait was absolute honesty, titen emes liyaakov and thus there is no tolerance for a stolen lulav. Erchotz binikayon kapi and n’ki kapayim u’var leivav is what Yaakov is all about. This is why the Yom Tov of sukkos, which represents Yaakov has so many themes of kindness, the protection of Hashem and the inclusion of everyone. We have hakel this time of year, read koheles (which means gathering) and we do hakafos.