Succot and Humility

Rav Shlomo Mann זצ״ל, wrote about the idea of the אושפיזין, our esteemed Succa guests. We invite each of these unique figures each night of Succot.

Rav Mann felt that the attribute common to our seven guests was ענוה, or humility. Avraham, Yitzchak, Yaakov, Moshe, Aharon, Yosef, and David, all possessed this important character trait.

Truly humble people are very uncomfortable around בעלי גאוה, haughty or conceited individuals. They have a low tolerance for those who feel they can compete with Hashem.

If we would like these saintly individuals to visit our Succa, then we also need to act with humility. If there is strife and bad Midot, the holiness will distance itself from us. This is another important Succot lesson.