What is the historical meaning of the sukkah? Is not this simple structure of wood framing, blankets for walls, and branches for the roof we call a sukkah the genius of G-d? The world is out of control and we are quite vulnerable, aren't we? The recent incident in Los Vegas and the natural disasters in Texas and Florida remind us of this, don't they?
Celebrating Sukkot each year is meant to free us from worry and return us to a more elemental Creator-creature approach to life. It's a seven-day opportunity to return to the essential ingredient in our relationship with the Most High.--trust. If I'm not trusting Him on a material level, how can I trust Him on a spiritual plane?
Taking seven days out of our normal routine each year to sip coffee in a sukkah in the shade provided by the thatched roof helps us achieve the frame of mind G-d is after. And just what is that frame of mind? Bottom line---it's a mind free from worry and full of trust. One of life's most besetting sins is "worry." How will we meet our bills this month? What about those emergency repairs and medical costs?
Let's face it---we need reminders. Building a sukkah out of simple materials with no protection from the elements, we remember how truly vulnerable we are, but also where our true help comes from. How in a world we cannot control do we gain any security, peace of mind, and a sense of promise for the future?
This is the lesson of the sukkah and this is the genius of G-d. G-d knows how to take mundane things like boards and branches and bring us back to Himself. It's a heart thing. By taking seven days each year out of our normal routine, G-d is saying, Hey, aren't you forgetting something in your mad rush to function and survive in this world? Remember Me, I'm the Author of all this stuff. Stop acting as if you're responsible for all that you have or achieve. I'm the Supplier. I'm the Source. Look to Me and be at peace. Come back to Me and I will give you rest.
~ Rabbi Nathan Puro
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