Sukkot is referred to in our prayers as our time of happiness. Why is this specifically our time of happiness? The Yalkut Shimoni (Emor, 654) writes that this is an exceptionally joyous time because we are rejoicing about the atonement we received for our sins on Yom Kippur (which is right before Sukkot). Why is it so important to make a point to celebrate this event?
Rabbi Matisyahu Solomon explains that this is a continuation of our teshuvah (repentance), which we were involved with on Yom Kippur. By celebrating our atonement, we are making a statement. The celebration represents the fact that our teshuvah is sincere and the fact that we were forgiven is truly meaningful to us. When we make a point to rejoice over our atonement, we are stating that we are enthusiastic about our commitment to start a new beginning of serving God properly.
In fact, the Reishit Chochma writes (gate of Kedusha, chapter 14) that Sukkot is a time for teshuvah. The Beit Ephraim (in the introduction to Orach Chaim) writes more specifically that Sukkot is a time for teshuvah out of love, in contrast to the ten days of repentance which concluded on Yom Kippur, which was a time of repentance out of fear (of judgement). The joy of our connection to God infuses us with vigor to take our teshuvah to the next level, as teshuvah out of love is on a higher level than teshuvah out of fear. One of the ways we become excited to do teshuvah out of love is by appreciating all that God does for us. When we focus on how good God is to us, we become aroused to be close to Him and follow His will happily.
There was once a boy who went off the Torah path, and he eventually decided to marry a gentile woman. People tried to persuade him to avoid such an act of betrayal, but to no avail. However, he did concede to speak to a rabbi. When he came to his meeting with the rabbi, he announced, “I am willing to discuss any topic, except for my marriage decision.” “Let me ask you a question,” said the rabbi, “Did God ever do any favors for you in your life?” “Sure He did,” replied the boy. “If so,” said the rabbi, “it would be appropriate for you to go the Western Wall, and have a good-bye talk with God. Before you sever your relationship with Him with your wedding plans, go and thank Him for all He has done for you, and explain to Him why you feel you have to discontinue your connection with Him.” The boy did as he was advised, and started to mention all the good God gas done with him throughout his life. Before long, he became overwhelmed with emotion, and he realized he could not betray the One who was so good to him all his life. And with that, he decided to abort his wedding plans.
Sukkot is a time of great joy, but we must make sure we channel our feelings of happiness in the right way. Sukkot is a tremendous opportunity to continue the elevation we experienced on Yom Kippur with our teshuvah, and bring it to the next level. Instead of just celebrating thoughtlessly, we can utilize this special time to bring us to greater heights, by expressing our gratitude to God for all He has given us, and especially for granting us forgiveness. By doing so, we add enthusiasm to our teshuvah, and bring it to a whole new level.
By Rabbi Yitzchok Aryeh Strimber torah4every1@gmail.com
