The Joy of Succot

The Torah mentions in three different places the obligation to be joyful during the holiday of Succot.

In the time of the Beit Hamikdash, the celebrations went on non stop. People barely slept during the entire week of Succot. The Talmud said that one who has not witnessed the joy of the water libations ceremony, has not really experienced happiness.

The entire process that began with the month of Elul, with Selichot prayers, and the intense prayers of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, were very elevating. The relief of having gone through the process successfully, led to Succot exhilaration. Upon entering the Succah, there is almost a magical feeling that Hashem’s Presence is with us at that time.

Succot teaches that we are to find joy in the observance of Mitzvot. Performing Mitzvot in this manner, is very pleasing in the eyes of G-d.

This joy, is an indication of one’s love for Hashem. This is similar to children who love their parents and try to do things that make them proud.

The description of the Temple festivities had stories of many righteous men letting down their guard, and attempted to show how they cleaved to Hashem.

King David did this when the Aron Kodesh was brought to Jerusalem. He danced and swayed and was lost in a kind of trance, as he showed his love for Hashem and the Torah.

We are meant to maintain this feeling of happiness throughout the year. As Rav Nachman said, “It is a great Mitzva to be in a state of joy at all times.” This includes how we observe Mitzvot, and our general state of mind.