“It reminds us that true happiness comes from recognizing our dependence on something greater than ourselves”
In this article I will discuss the relationship between happiness and the festival of Sukkot; it is probably my favorite festival to celebrate. Succot is closely associated with joy as the Torah refers to it as "the time of our rejoicing" (z'man simchateinu). This description points to an intrinsic link between the festival and happiness. The connection between Succot and happiness can be understood on multiple levels. But what is it about Succot that brings us joy?
First, Succot is a harvest festival, celebrating the bounty of the agricultural year. In ancient Israel, the end of the harvest season was naturally a time of gratitude and joy for the provision of sustenance. This joy is grounded in the recognition that our blessings come from HaShem, not solely from our efforts. By acknowledging the Source of our sustenance, we can cultivate genuine happiness, rooted in gratitude and humility.
Moreover, the mitzvah of dwelling in the succah adds a deeper dimension to this joy. The succah, a temporary and fragile structure, reminds us of the Israelites' journey in the wilderness, when they lived under HaShem's protection. In the succah, we experience a sense of vulnerability, yet simultaneously, a profound awareness of HaShem's sheltering presence. This paradox of vulnerability and security teaches that happiness is not found in material comfort or permanence, but in trust and faith in HaShem.
These fragile huts symbolize reliance on HaShem, rather than material security. In a world where happiness is often linked to possessions and stability, the succah encourages us to step out of that mindset. By living in a temporary dwelling, exposed to the elements, we experience a profound sense of assurance and belief. It reminds us that true happiness comes from recognizing our dependence on something greater than ourselves.
Succot also follows the High Holy Days, a time of reflection, repentance, and atonement. After the introspective period of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, Succot brings a release from the tension of judgment and opens the door to joy. Having realigned our lives and sought forgiveness, we enter a space where we can celebrate the blessings we have, free of guilt or fear.
Succot also includes the mitzvah of the arba minim, the four species (lulav, etrog, hadassim, and aravot). Each species represents and symbolizes different types of Jews, parts of the body, and aspects of the human experience, yet they are brought together as a unified whole. This illustrates the power of unity, diversity, and interconnectedness in creating joy. Happiness is not an individual pursuit; it is enhanced by community, shared experiences, and the awareness that every individual contributes to the greater whole.
The Torah commands us to “rejoice before HaShem” during Succot (Vayikra/Leviticus 23:40). This is one of the only times where joy is a mitzvah in itself, emphasizing that happiness is not just a feeling, but a spiritual practice. By celebrating with intentional joy during Succot, we strengthen our connection to HaShem and to each other.
Finally, the joy of Succot culminates in Simchat Torah, where we rejoice in the completion and the restart of the Torah reading cycle. This joy comes from the celebration of our spiritual heritage, a reminder that true happiness is rooted in meaning, purpose, and connection to something larger than ourselves.
In essence, the joy of Succot arises from gratitude for our blessings, trust in HaShem's protection, the unity of community, and the celebration of Torah. Through these experiences, we learn that happiness is a spiritual state that transcends material conditions. By stepping away from the material and embracing the spiritual, Succot teaches us that true joy is found in simplicity, faith, and unity.
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