The Rambam in hilchos lulav writes that out of all the holidays Sukkos is the special time for an “extra happiness” (simcha yesara). So if Sukkos is such a joyous time then why did the Torah command us to leave our houses and live in “temporary dwellings”? If we are commanded to enjoy ourselves for a full eight days, wouldn’t it make sense to stay inside where it is comfortable and pleasant?
True happiness can only occur when a person comes to the realization that this world is only temporal and mundane. Consistent happiness can only occur when one sees clearly that the true goals in life are of a spiritual nature.(1) It is the flaws in our own character which prevents us from being happy. On Rosh HaShanna and Yom Kippor we strived our hardest to reach the heights of character development and spirituality. Sukkos is the time to put these into practice.

The sukka has many spiritual concepts connected with it such as, faith, peace, a lack of materialism, spiritual elevation and G-d’s presence. By dwelling under its temporal and delicate temperament the sukka calls upon us to move ourselves to a deeper understanding of our existence in this world.

So how are we not going to angry this sukkos? By having faith that everything is degreed in heaven and comes directly from Hashem. And how are we going to stop being jealous about the new car our neighbor just bought? By thinking about the things that are important in life and knowing that whatever we need, Hashem will provide. And how are going to stop worrying about our teenage kids? By believing that there is a G-d in Heaven who is watching over them and by trusting in their inner ability to do the right thing. And how are we going to stop fighting with our spouse? By being humble, caring and speaking softly. And how are we going to stop being depressed about our debts? By praying and believing in the one who lacks nothing and who can do anything.

Being joyous this sukkot is what Hashem is asking of us and the level and consistency of our happiness reflects the true level of our spiritual development. When the great Rabbi the Vilna Goan was one asked which mitvah is the most difficult to perform, he answered “the mitvah of being happy during the holidays (v’samachta v’chagecha). By the way, if a person is not happy even for a moment during sukkos he has nullified this positive commandment for that moment.

Have a happy Sukkos!



(1) Rav Yakov Naymin in his sefer Darche Musser.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Rabbi Mitterhoff,