Community Torah Corner, September 29, 2023

“Don’t Worry, Be Happy!”

The holiday of Sukkot carries with it a special command that is not connected with other holidays.  In Leviticus 23:40 and then again in Deuteronomy 16:14-15, when describing the holiday of Sukkot, the Torah tells us to be happy on this holiday.  Of all the holidays, why is there the command of being happy on Sukkot?

We have just completed the Yamim Noraim, the Days of Awe.  This 10-day period between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur is one where many people take time to reflect on our lives, hoping to fix mistakes we have made.  As is sung in many congregations, “On Rosh Hashanah it (our judgment) is written, and on Yom Kippur it is sealed.”  Yet how do we know if we were written and sealed in the Book of Life? More importantly, WHEN will we know if we were written in the book of life? The truth is, we will not know until next Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur when we are back saying these words and asking again for atonement.  And that is why Sukkot has the command to be happy.  After a trial has ended, one does not have to wait a year to find out their verdict. When the trial is over, the verdict is handed down. We, however, are left in a state of limbo and wonder. It is at this moment that God tells us, “Be Happy”.  Yes, we do not know our fate.  However, for the next eight days, we are told to put all that worry aside, be happy and enjoy this holiday.

I hope in the wake of Yom Kippur that we have all been sealed for another year of health and happiness.  I hope that we can all find the happiness and joy that we should take with us in celebrating Sukkot.
Chag Sameach.