Sukkot 5784

D’var Sukkot 5784 – Place of Refuge

“And on the fifteenth day of the seventh month ye shall have a holy convocation; ye shall do no manner of servile work; and ye shall keep a feast unto the L-RD seven days.” – Numbers 29:12, JPS 1917 Tanach

We are commanded to dwell in sukkot (booths) for a seven-day period, as a commemoration of our dwelling in sukkot – temporary structures – while wandering in the desert for forty years. During our time spent travelling from one place to another, the Children of Israel were protected by the Clouds of Glory that sheltered us from the heat of the day; the Pillar of Fire at night provided illumination for B’nei Yisrael, as well as warmth.

The sukkot [booths] that we build after Yom Kippur, and either dwell in, or, at least, have meals within, symbolize the Clouds of Glory that served as a shelter from the elements. When we dwell in sukkot for seven days, we are demonstrating our trust in H’Shem. These fragile dwellings serve not only to remind us of our past journeys in the desert; rather, also, as a personal reminder to seek G-d as our refuge. When we are troubled by the nisyanos (challenges) of Olam HaZeh (This World), we may find relief in H’Shem’s offer of protection for those who seek Him.

“For He concealeth me in His pavilion [sukkah, place of refuge] in the day of evil; He hideth me in the covert of His tent; He lifteth me up on a rock.” – Psalm 27:5, JPS