Sukkos

As we approach the mitzvah of sukka, let's try to understand what we are to take out of it. The Torah tells us to go out from our homes and into a temporary structure. The sefer Menoras Hamaor tells us that the mitzvah of sukka teaches us not to put our trust in the strength of our homes and our possessions even if we have everything. Also, we should not put our trust in any person no matter how rich or powerful he is, rather to put out complete trust in the creator of the world, Hashem.

The fact that this mitzvah comes at this time supports this concept. When we used to live in an agriculture society, this was the time of year when all the produce was brought in, the store houses were all full and the people already prepared their houses for winter, fixing the roof and anything else that needed to be done. Specifically at this time, when the houses are strong and the storehouses are full we are commanded to leave it all behind and move into the sukka, a temporary dwelling with no roof, letting all the elements in to make us realize that all that we have comes to us only through the will of Hashem. That's also why the schach comes from the leftover from the granary, so we are reminded that all our sustenance comes from Hashem. Shlomo Hamelech tells us that wealth is not contingent on the amount of work put in or on the smarts of a person; rather it's contingent on Hashem's blessings.

Rav Nachman brings this point home with a parable. There were two very wealthy men who lived next door to each other. While they were alike in their material possessions, they were far apart in their deeds and actions. One wouldn't give a dollar to charity while the other would host all those that needed a place to stay or eat. One day, a person came to town needing a place to stay and something to eat. One of the locals pointed him in the direction of the benevolent man's house. However, unknowingly he knocked on the stingy man's door and asked for a meal. The man says, “sure, but first I will need you to help me with some work. Feeling he had no option, he obliged. After a few hours of heavy work, when he turned to the man and asked for his food, the man says, “just go next door and ask for your meal.” The traveler goes next door and is given a simple meal like this man gives everyone who comes. The traveler is a little upset. He thinks to himself, “after all that work I did, I just get a regular meal; I deserve a feast. Had I not worked for this, I would be very thankful for a decent meal. However, after all my work I deserve more! The benevolent man, sensing his guest’s discomfort, asked him what's wrong? The guest told him, “listen, I just worked for hours for you next door and all I get is this meal. I deserve so much more!” When the host heard what happened he shook his head and said one has nothing to do with the other; the work you did was for free and the food you got was for free…

Rav Nachman is telling us, that even though in this world we must work and do what is required, the outcome is not tied to the work. The money we get is a gift from Hashem; what we will make was already set on Rosh Hashana. Our job is to realize and internalize that all we get is a gift from Hashem. The more we have this as our mindset, the more thankful we will be for all that we have. Let's take the mitzva of the sukka and remember where everything comes from, so that the more we thank Hashem for the good He bestows upon us, the more He will give us!