Words of Torah about Sukkot

As we begin the festival of Sukkot, we are reminded of God’s unwavering protection of the Jewish People during their 40 year journey through the desert.  To commemorate this sacred time, we construct a sukkah to perform a series of mitzvot, eating, drinking, and sleeping (if possible) in this temporary dwelling as we gaze at the sky through the schach.

As a science teacher, Sukkot has always held a special place in my heart.  From the roof of natural vegetation, to the command that we be outside, at the mercy of nature and God’s shelter — the connection to the natural world and how vulnerable we truly are — holds strong on this holiday and throughout the rest of the year.  

In present times, we construct homes of iron, stone, brick, and concrete but there was a time when the Children of Israel had only temporary materials, a will to construct their shelter over and over again, and God’s protection.  Perhaps this is why, even after the celebration of Sukkot has come to an end, we continue to place ourselves in similar circumstances, camping, picnicking, and hiking, relying on providence and the temperamental compliance of the natural world.  

Along with ushpizin, friends and family, may this coming holiday and all times when we find ourselves gazing at the stars remind us that we are watched over, protected, and known.  Chag sameach.