The Humble Hut of Trust

B"H

I hope you are having a fantastic Sukkot holiday; If it hasn't been yet, may it begin now! As I'm running from city to city here in Israel w/ my Parents, I've luckily found a keyboard here in Hertzliya. So I thought I'd take advantage to share a short thought on the inspiring message of the holiday of Sukkot - Chag Sameach!

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There was once a traveler passing through a certain Jewish town in Europe. Hearing of a famed Rabbi who resided in that town, the traveler stopped in to meet him.

Upon entering the very modest home, the traveler was shocked to see how poorly furnished the house was for such a famous person.

He looked at the famed sage in wonderment and asked: "Rabbi! Where is all of your furniture?"

"My friend", the Rabbi replied.

"Where is all of your furniture?"

Shocked at such an odd question, the traveler replied,

"But Rabbi, I'm only passing through here..."

The sage replied: "I too am only passing through here."

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For 8 days every year, Jews the world over leave their comfortable homes for a humble hut called a Sukkah. The term stems from the Hebrew word kisui - "covering," commemorating the clouds of glory that protected the Jewish people when leaving Egypt.

There's something amazing to be learned from every tradition of our rich faith which we observe today. The Sukkah, among other things, emphasises the idea of dependance & trust. It's true that throughout the year I dwell under a sturdy shelter, with all of my comforts met. But who is truly behind this health, wealth, and general wellbeing? The humble Sukkah walls, as I sit inside at night and feel the sky's soft breeze, reminds me that God is my real protector, and not the walls of my house.

But who says? Maybe the dollar bills & marble pillars are my only supporters? Well, just ask New Orleans residents during Huricane Katrina. Or head down to San Diego every summer for fire season. Or more positively, visit Tel Aviv residents during the scud Missile attacks in 1991.I met one yesterday. A kind French man who said he became religiously observant after watching 39 scuds fall, destroying entire buildings, yet exacting Zero casualties. (To give you an idea, one scud hit a U.S. army base in Saudi Arabia killing 27 and injuring 98). He saw God's Protection of His People in an open fashion. [He was also amazed at the time that the Lubavitcher Rebbe repeatedly encouraged that no Jew should leave Israel during the war, stating that God Would Protect every Jew there. This was printed in the papers.]

But for you and I, feeling that my life isn't run just by money and material gains is very hard. Have you ever heard God tell you, "My child, I've got your back. Don't even worry about it." Maybe you have, I'm not doubting. But I'm not that holy :)

But this is the fact, and we personally see this through various events in our lives. The key is to hear God Reminding us through the message of the Sukkah each year. That no matter how comfortable and secure we live (and may it continue to be so!), it is really He Who is Deciding that I should live with such comforts, with whatever I receive.

The very last verse of Psalms, written by King David reads:

Kol ha'neshamoh, tehalel y-uh, halleluy-a - "My entire soul will bless God. May God be blessed." The Lubavitcher Rebbe taught: "Don't read it Ha'neshama (soul), but rather Ha'neshimah (breath). For every breath that we take, we should praise God and acknowledge our fortune. May we all have a joyous and trust inducing Sukkot, one that reminds us that we're onlt travelers here, to thank the One Who Gives us life and breath each day, and to also use out each breath to our fullest potential on this earth.

And don't forget, God's Got your back!

Chag Sameach!

-Daniel

Jerusalem, Israel