Lessons of Succot

The Succah is known as דירת עראי, a temporary dwelling. This is why the main part of the Succah is the roof, known as “Schach.”

The walls are able to be thick and strong. But the roof is meant to represent its temporary nature. It is covered with materials that grow from the ground, but are detached.

The message is clear that we must acknowledge the temporary nature of man’s existence. This was said very well by the late, great, Dodgers baseball announcer, Vin Scully.

He was describing an injury to one of the players. He said, “He is listed as day to day.” Then he paused and said, “Aren’t we all!”

Succot was the most prosperous time of year for the majority of Jews, who were farmers. They gathered and sold their crops, and felt pretty complacent.

Our Rabbis warned us that when one feels like he “has it all,” he tends to forget Hashem, and the realization that his abundance comes from Him.

Our דירת עראי, temporary dwelling, is to drive home the point that we must make the most of each day. We must realize what is important, and what is not.

Money can be a blessing, a curse, or a test. We must see that all that we have is a gift. We should use this gift to help others, and lighten the burden of the needy.

If we can do this, we will have put the lesson of the Succah to good use. This will add to the joy of the holiday, and allow us to fulfill the commandment of ושמחת בחגך, “rejoice on your holiday.”