The Festival of Sukkot, also known as “The Season of our Joy” is filled with powerful symbols, many of which were not originally considered holy. The etrog (אתרוג) (citron) and the sukkah (סוכה) (booth), two essential mitzvah objects used during the festival, were initially simple, mundane items. Yet today, they are key elements in observing the mitzvot (commandments) of Sukkot. This transformation from ordinary items into objects of kedusha (קדושה) (holiness) holds an important lesson about how we can elevate even the most mundane aspects of our lives.It is amazing to think that such a fragile object such as a Sukkah can contain so much holiness: We recite blessings in it, we invite guests from the past and present to “dwell” in it, we study Torah and pray within this temporary shelter. Yet the Sukkah can be a valuable lesson on how we treat those in our community with fragile bodies, hearts and spirits. They too deserve to feel the holiness within them, that spark of Haqadosh Baruch Hu (The Holy One) that is in all of us. The fragile world we live in can be made stronger by our acts of chesed and good deeds. May this Sukkot be a joyous and spiritual experience for Israel and all the world. Moa’dim Le’simchah!
– By Rabbi Colman Reaboi
