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Beit Midrash
- Shabbat and Holidays
- Sukkot
- The Spirit of the Holiday
This holiday of Succot, with its emphasis on the beauty of nature and the freedom from being housebound, provides an emotional and psychological relief that, to a great extent. characterizes the nature of this holiday itself.
It is called the time of our joy and happiness not only because of what it represents, but also because it raises us from the concerns and doubts that naturally accompany our commemoration of the high holy days – the days of awe – that dominate the first part of the month.
We have the feeling within us of having passed through the time of testing and challenge, of trial and judgment, and of emerging as a better and more wholesome individual, both in relation to our Creator and to our fellow human beings.
It is this feeling that we have when we leave the hospital in a better state of health than when we entered, of being vindicated in a court of law, pardoned for our transgressions and wrongdoing.
This feeling certainly manifests itself in achieving a state of happiness, and contentment. Because of the time of judgement that comes before Succot, the holiday can perhaps be more appreciated than others. It is as though one emerges from a long dark tunnel and then comes to see the cheerful light of nature and of Jewish life.
In northern climates, having to leave the house and exist in a booth opened to the elements, is perhaps not such a pleasant experience. However, it should be obvious to all that the Jewish holidays were meant to be celebrated in the land of Israel even though they are observed outside of Israel. Here in Israel, the holiday occurs when sitting outside is not only possible but is actually enjoyable.
Sitting in the cold northern winter weather in Chicago, I remember my father telling me that out of all the holidays of the year, Succot was especially difficult for him because it brought home the fact that the real home of the Jewish people was in the land of Israel. In Chicago we oftentimes had snow on the covering of the roof of the succah. He ruefully remarked that the Torah apparently made no provision for snow on Succot and that, in itself, was a proof that we really belong in the land of Israel to celebrate the holidays of the Jewish calendar.
In general, there certainly is a sense of satisfaction, if not even joy, in appreciating the wonders and beauty of nature. Many of us are urban dwellers and are not even accustomed to noticing, much less appreciating, the wonders of the natural world that we inhabit.
On the holiday of Succot we are obligated by Jewish law and tradition to leave our house and in some fashion connect ourselves to the natural surroundings that we often ignore during the rest of the year. Insects, especially bees, can be very annoying but their purpose is to remind us that we are not the only creatures that inhabit this planet. The wonders of the natural world, with their infinite variety of creatures and colors, is meant to testify to the power and infinite grace of the Creator of the universe.
The holidays of the Jewish people are built on the platform of agriculture, climate, and the variety of nature, as well as they are based upon the historical events that these holidays represent. They are meant to give us a complete picture of creation, nature and human history as well. They are meant to instill within us the harmony of and appreciation of life and its wonders. The holiday most representative of this is that of Succot.
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
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Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 9 - "Seeing is Believing" (parag. 21-30)
These paragraphs elaborate on the theme that seeing and knowing is better than any attempt to prove logically, and begins explaining the difference between Israel and gentiles.
Ein Aya Various Universal Stages of the Geula Process
Rav Kook examines the various stages of redemption, explaining how (in addition to the obvious oft-mentioned stages of ingathering the exiles, reviving the Hebrew language, army, state etc.) the messianic dream of world prosperity, the State of Israel and world unity can and are realistically and logically gradually coming true.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 8- "Answering Questions on the Kuzari's Proof from Mass Revelation
How do we know that the "claim" of mass revelation to 2,000,000 witnesses at Mt. Sinai is really true? This important class answers all of the questions skeptics ask about this claim of the Kuzari.
Ein Aya Armies Still Necessary for Balance & the War Against Wars
Rav Kook explains why the world was originally divided into the various seemingly contradicting ideologies and cultures, in order to develop each one respectively. Swords or armies symbolize how each respective ideology defends themselves, as well as deters their opposing ideologies and cultures. On the other hand, the messianic era will be one of peace, and Rav Kook explains the transition to that stage, which mankind is already undergoing.
The Land of Israel LGBT'S IN ISRAEL
The question was asked, how can one make Aliyah with the LGBT parades?
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 7 - Five Accumulative Proofs of G-d
As a preparation for the Kuzari's classic proof of G-d from the mass-revelation at Sinai, we start here with 5 other directions to strengthen our belief which also contribute to what the Kuzari will present as well.
Ein Aya Muscle & Meaning: The Dual Nature of Gevurah (Physical Strength)
Is physical strength and fitness a necessity or an ideal? Although it if often totally overlooked among topics of Judaism, Rav Kook writes that it clearly is also a necessity to deter the many enemies of Israel, but even in Y'mot HaMashiach, in the Messianic era, to a certain extent, it's ideal continues even after our enemies will have been finished off.
