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Sukkot - Commemorating What?
In the midrash we find three explanations for this mitzva.
Sukkot, Emunah & Cherophobia: Solving the Fears of Happiness
Sukkot is the climax of agricultural success, but also brings with it the anxiety & nervousness regarding the upcoming season. The Sukkah represents the clouds which precede the rainy season, & are the time when God judges us regarding rain. Cherophobia is a common problem where happiness & accomplishment are accompanied by fear: After I've achieved my goals, there's a feeling of emptiness- What do I do now?!". Also, we ask like Kohelet, "Why am I still not happy?!". There's also the fear that I may lose or someone will take away what I've achieved. Also the fear "what if people reveal that I'm really not so talented?". Sukkot are termed in kabbala: "The Shade of Emuna", that only God has absolute success, & only He can provide security regarding past & future.
Sukkot stories
"Rabbi Alnekaveh told a story he heard once from an etrog-seller who used to bring Rav Eliyahu etrogim to check: "It is well-known that Rab Eliyahu could look at an etrog for mere seconds and immediately discern its advantages and defects..."
Parashat “Shema” and Parashat “Vehaya Im Shamoa”
Parashiot Shema Israel and Vehaya im shamoa contain the indispensable principles of the special nature of living in the Land of Israel. Therefore, Moshe teaches the people of Israel these Parashiot at the threshold of The Promised Land.
COMPARE AND CONSIDER
Rabbi Stewart Weiss
Daf Yomi Sanhedrin Daf 84
Daf Yomi Sanhedrin Daf 83
Daf Yomi Sanhedrin Daf 82
Daf Yomi Sanhedrin Daf 81
Daf Yomi Sanhedrin Daf 80
Daf Yomi Sanhedrin Daf 79
More on The Site
Thoughts on Sukkot
Sukkot is a time for Jewish unity and, in the future, for all nations of the world to come to Zion.
What causes so much division in the world?
Rabbi David Sperling
What causes so much division in the world?
Rabbi David Sperling
Resistance and giving away the Land of Israel
Rabbi Ari Shvat
Parashat Hashavua
Can there be Compassion without Justice?
Why must there be justice as well as compassion, punishment as well as forgiveness? Why is forgiveness alone not enough?
Stiff Necked
Isn't Stiff Necked a Physical Condition? A small video with an idea from our weekly Parsha.
Then the Tabernacle Now the Land
A short video connecting the Parasha to the land of Israel.
Shabbat and the Sin of the Golden Calf
A Shiur by Rabbi Zalman Baruch Melamed for the weekly portion "Ki Tisa".
Purim
When Adar Enters
"when Adar enters joy and happiness enter with it." Note that it does not say that when Adar arrives we will be joyous and happy
The "Sacred Bear" of Purim
There is an unusual commandment on Purim.
A Torah Life in Eretz Yisrael - Obliterating Amalek
How to wipe out Amalek?