Sukkot

Sukkot: The Connection between Am Yisrael and Jerusalem

Sukkot - the redemption of the nation

Taste the Tree Like the Fruit- Sukkot as a Microcosm of Eretz Yisrael

Rav Kook points out that just as most of the tree is roots, trunk, branches and leaves, despite the fact that the goal is the fruit, similarly most of life is preparations (e.g. eating, dress, work, cooking, raising children), and often one doesn't even achieve his goal. Does that mean that he wasted his life?! The basic question is, if most of life is "tree", and I want to have meaning in life, I have no choice but to find a way to have "taste" in the tree, not just in the fruit. This was the original plan in Eden, and is meant to be the ideal lifestyle, as expressed in the Etrog where the tree tastes like her fruit. Eretz Yisrael is likened to Sukkot, where even the secular/mundane/"tree" has meaning/taste/holiness, and it's all a mitzva.

Zion - The Home of Our Life

When we recite “Have mercy upon Zion, for it is the home of our life” we are not merely recalling a Zion of the past, our homeland and breeding ground, a land which became the basis of our national life and culture. We are speaking about daily life.

Sukkot, Emunah & Cherophobia: Solving the Fears of Happiness

Sukkot is the climax of agricultural success, but also brings with it the anxiety & nervousness regarding the upcoming season. The Sukkah represents the clouds which precede the rainy season, & are the time when God judges us regarding rain. Cherophobia is a common problem where happiness & accomplishment are accompanied by fear: After I've achieved my goals, there's a feeling of emptiness- What do I do now?!". Also, we ask like Kohelet, "Why am I still not happy?!". There's also the fear that I may lose or someone will take away what I've achieved. Also the fear "what if people reveal that I'm really not so talented?". Sukkot are termed in kabbala: "The Shade of Emuna", that only God has absolute success, & only He can provide security regarding past & future.

The Laws of the Succah

Pninei Halacha

What conditions must be fulfilled in order for the roof of a Succah to be Kosher? Is one permitted to sleep in a bunkbed in the Succah? Is there a problem wearing a large hat in the Succah? Rabbi Eliezer Melamed addresses these and other questions in his lucid and distinct style.

The Holiday of Sukkot- G-d Invested in Us but We Also Invested in Him

Despite Freud, Rav Kook claims that the urge to cling to G-d is the strongest inclination.

Succot

Sukkot - The Festival of Water

On Sukkot we are judged in relation to water, and we find that on this festival there were many matters connected to water. The joyous water libation underscored the fact that the nation of Israel was thriving in its land and was blessed with water.