VOLUME 122 NUMBER 10
Tishrei 14, 5787
September 25, 2026
Special Succos Edition
Candlelighting Time 6:34
After the coronation of Hashem on Rosh Hashana and meriting clemency for our sins on Yom Kippur, we head into the beautiful and inspiring Yom Tov of Succos. In order to appreciate the fundamental theme of Succos we first have to quote the words of our Sages. They refer to the covering of the Succah as the “Shade of Belief.” Certainly, on a very elementary level we can understand that leaving the comfort of our homes and living outside with a sparse cover of bamboo or otherwise and subject to the weather certainly demonstrates that we are secure that Hashem will protect us from the elements. However, there is a more profound depth to this matter. S’fas Emes explains during the Yom Tov of Succos there was a mitzvah to draw water and pour it on the altar. This was a protocol to merit that eventually it would rain and the crops would grow well and there would be a bountiful harvest. However, rain is the epitome of that which is physical and therefore it alludes to the functioning of this world in a very material sense which therefore automatically includes the nations of the world. And that is why we offer 70 sacrifices referring to the nations of the world. Subsequently, there is a link between us and the nations at large. That defines a connection between us and the nations which is not necessarily to our benefit. Therefore, we trek out to the Succah seeking a more concrete connection between us and Hashem and as a result a protection from potential assimilation at best and danger at worst from them.
Succos is actually a continuation of the association that we have with Hashem that we created on Rosh Hashanah. We daven that we should merit lives abounding with good health, a successful livelihood, and achievement in our endeavors. These concerns primarily focus on our everyday lives and therefore Succos which follows continues within that pattern. Therefore, the Yom Tov is only seven days with Shemini Atseres although a continuation of Succos but only a different level to be discussed at another time. We collect for the covering of the Succah natural items as synthetic material is invalid. The Lulav and the Esrog are also natural items. All this is ‘offered’ to Hashem as an avenue of using the material essence of this world to praise and serve Him. This indeed is a protection from the nations as we demonstrate to Hashem that we only take from this world that which will be an asset in our furtherance of recognition of Hashem and His total dedication to benefit us with all that we need.
The Torah say that we dwell in the Succah in order to know that Hashem afforded us lodging during our sojourn in the desert. The inculcation of that knowledge is not simply recalling an historic fact, rather it is an impetus to set our minds in the proper state of recognition that Hashem always provides us with our lodging and everything else that we need to thrive. Therefore, although Yom Kippur was the culmination of the season of repentance that began with Rosh Hashanah, Succos is the completion of the coronation of Hashem as we concretize our perception of Hashem as the Master of the World and our source of beneficence.
A BYTE FOR YOM TOV
We utilize our material possessions for the Succah and the Lulav and the Esrog to instill within us that our wealth is not for us but rather to use for Hashem. CHASAM SOFER
GOOD SHABBOS AND GOOD YOM TOV
