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Beit Midrash
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In the midrash (Sifra, Emor 12) we find three explanations for this mitzva. There is an opinion that the sukka is to be made from the four species which are waved on Sukkot, which implies that it is essentially part of one unit with the mitzva of the four species. It is difficult, though, to divorce the mitzva from the historical context to which the p’sukim refer explicitly.
Rabbi Eliezer says that it commemorates the actual booths in which Bnei Yisrael lived in the desert after leaving Egypt. We relive the experience by going into similar booths. One difficulty with this is that the holiday should, then, ostensibly have been in Nisan, when Bnei Yisrael started to occupy such sukkot. (Many answers have been given for this question.)
Rabbi Akiva says that the sukkot in which Bnei Yisrael lived after leaving Egypt were divine clouds. These clouds also began upon leaving Egypt (see Shemot 13:20-23), and so the same question of why they are commemorated in Tishrei is pertinent. We will suggest an explanation within the opinion of Rabbi Akiva, which will also answer this question.
After the sin of the Golden Calf and the resulting great spiritual fall, the question of the relationship between Hashem and Bnei Yisrael came to the fore. Was the "proposal of marriage" and "joint life under one roof" still intact, as it had been before the sin? The answer to this question was given 80 days after the sin. After Moshe’s third stint of 40 days on Sinai, he was able to inform Bnei Yisrael that Hashem had forgiven them. Then Hashem invited Moshe to stand on a rock, while Hashem covered him with "His hand" until He passed (Shemot 33:21-22). The word for covering is "sakkoti," which is etymologically closely related to "sukka." Similarly, David spoke about being hidden in Hashem’s sukka on a bad day and being uplifted at a rock (Tehillim 27:5). When Moshe entered that sukka of sorts, it symbolized forgiveness and a return to His graces and the reappearance of the divine clouds.
All of this happened on Yom Kippur. Therefore, it is appropriate that we celebrate the return to the special historical sukka at the time of year that they returned, right after Yom Kippur. This is one more way in which Sukkot is a continuation of the days of mercy and forgiveness of Yom Kippur.
Let us pray that we will merit hearing the tiding "I have forgiven" and return to find a safe place in the shade of the Divine Presence. This is the deep significance of the cloud that the sukka represents according to Rabbi Akiva.
Rabbis in Midrash
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Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 5- "Proofs of G-d"
This may be the most important class of the entire book, where we finally get to the Jewish proof of the existence of G-d and truth of the Torah. We should follow His own direction where He tells us how to get to Him: through the Nation of Israel: Jewish history, Jewish prophets (and today, prophecies fulfilled), and national reward & punishment towards Am Yisrael.
Ein Aya One Humanity, One Creator, One Jerusalem
Rav Kook innovatively and beautifully explains this aggadeta where our sages say that after Jerusalem was destroyed her cinnamon fragrance is only found locked in a particular kingdom's treasury.
Shlach Lecha "Why So Many Don't Make Aliya?" - Parshat Shlach
This short article deals with the weird phenomena that every single time Am Yisrael is meant to enter the Land of Israel, throughout the Tanach, 2nd Temple and until today, they "chicken out" and look for excuses. What's the problem with this mitzvah that proves so challenging. The article, based on sources, suggests that the difficulties of Eretz Yisrael is precisely her secret and beauty!
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 4
The class deals with Islam and how the Muslim tries convincing the King of the Khazars, and why he was also rejected.
Beha'alotcha JEWISH STATE= GUIDE TO G-DLINESS & SELFLESSNESS
A Jewish State not only is a good idea, but educates us towards selflessness, altruism and G-dliness in our daily lives.
Ein Aya In Zion Even the Smoke of the Bark is Sweet
Just as Jewish nationalism is different from others, so too our capitol of Jerusalem is totally different than other national capitols. Rav Kook beautifully explains the passage in the Talmud that the trees of Yerushalayim were cinnamon trees.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 3
The second speaker invited to convince the Khazar King is the Christian, who presents their beliefs. Even before the questions of the King, "between the lines", the author R. Yehuda HaLevi already begins disproving them.
Ein Aya "Intimacy: Love, Life & Giving or Egocentric Taking & Expiration"
Today, many confuse between intimacy in marriage, based on love, giving and life which are diametrically opposed to empty "sex", pornography and prostitution which destroyed the Beit HaMikdash. The practical importance of clarifying this topic in today's western society is obvious, especially for young adults.