We all know the drill – come Sukkot, we grab our hammers, planks, and Schach, (or tool-less Sukkah Kit) and we build ourselves a little hut. But why exactly are we doing this? Let’s take a stroll through the Torah and unpack the deeper meaning behind this cherished mitzvah, with a fresh look at how the Sukkah brings us all together under one (somewhat leaky) roof.
The Torah Tells Us to Dwell in Sukkot... But Wait, What Sukkot?
G-d commands us in the Torah: “BaSukkot Teishvu Shiv’at Yamim” – for seven days, we should sit (and eat, and maybe even nap) in the Sukkah (Leviticus 23:42). But why? The Torah explains: so future generations will know that G-d sheltered the People of Israel in Sukkot after the Exodus from Egypt (Leviticus 23:43). Sounds straightforward, right?
Not so fast. When we actually crack open the story of the Exodus, there's no mention of physical Sukkot (let alone Sukkah Kits) being part of Hashem’s protective plan. Instead, the Torah focuses on the Anan – the divine clouds of glory that protected the Israelites by day, along with a pillar of fire at night. These heavenly forces even played defense, blocking the Egyptians' arrows (Rashi to Shemot 14:19). But where do the Sukkot as we know them come in?
The Great Sukkah Debate: Literal or Figurative?
Enter Rabi Eliezer and Rabi Akiva. In Gemara Sukkah (11b), the two sages engage in a friendly back-and-forth on this very question. Rabi Akiva takes the verse at face value: G-d really did shelter the People of Israel in actual, physical Sukkot. Meanwhile, Rabi Eliezer offers a more symbolic interpretation – the “Sukkot” represent the Ananei HaKavod, the clouds of glory that shielded the Israelites throughout their desert journey. So, is the Sukkah meant to remind us of tents or clouds? We’ll leave that for the sages to debate.
Rava's Take: It’s About Moving Out... Temporarily
Let’s zoom in on another idea, aside from the clouds of glory, this time from Rava in tractate Sukkah (2a). He suggests that the whole point of the Sukkah isn’t just about the structure itself, but about moving out of our permanent homes and into something temporary. The Sukkah is flimsy by design, vulnerable to the elements – wind, rain, you name it. Why? Because it reminds us that while we might take pride in our brick-and-mortar homes, real security comes from G-d alone.
The Sukkah: The Great Equalizer
Here’s where things get even more interesting. The Sukkah isn’t just a temporary home – it’s a great equalizer. Think about it: during the rest of the year, we live in homes that reflect our personal tastes (and wallets). Some people have mansions, others have cozy apartments. But for seven days, G-d commands us all to ditch the luxury and head into a rickety hut. In the Sukkah, we’re all the same – equally exposed to the wind, equally reliant on G-d for protection.
This annual humility check serves both the rich and the poor. The affluent are reminded not to put too much stock in their wealth – after all, it’s G-d who ultimately provides shelter. And for those less fortunate, the Sukkah reassures them that even without material possessions, G-d is watching over them, too.
So, What Did G-d Shelter Us In?
Now, back to those verses about G-d housing the People of Israel in Sukkot. What if this isn’t meant to be taken literally at all? Instead, it’s a metaphor for the divine sense of equality that G–d created in the desert.
He didn’t just protect The People of Israel with clouds or Sukkot – He also leveled the playing field. He provided manna, a food that was the same for everyone, regardless of status. The camp layout in the desert also reflected this idea: every tent was equidistant from the Mishkan (tabernacle), emphasizing that no one had closer access to holiness than anyone else.
The Sukkah as a Reminder of G-d’s Protection
Ultimately, the Sukkah serves as a powerful reminder of this divine equality. For seven days, we leave behind our everyday comforts and dwell in this temporary, humble space. It’s a chance to recognize that while our physical homes may differ, we are all equally reliant on G-d’s protection.
So, the next time you're sitting in your perfectly assembled Sukkah Kit, with the wind rustling the Schach and a drizzle threatening to crash your meal, remember: this isn’t just a hut. It’s a lesson in humility, unity, and the ultimate source of shelter – G-d Himself.