Category: Holiday Teachings

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All Torah Teachings Holiday Teachings Tu B'shvat Written Teachings

Tu B’shvat Rectifying the Forbidden Fruit 2009

Tu B’shvat (2009)– Rectifying the forbidden fruit February 6, 2009

“For the Lord is bringing you into a good land … a land of wheat and barley, vines and fig trees and pomegranates, a land of olive trees and honey.. and you shall eat and be full and you shall bless Hashem for the good land that he has given you.” (Devarim 8:8-10)

In the book of Bereishit, the Torah accounts the details of how man was placed in the mapped out Garden of Eden, a place where G-d Himself planted an array of trees and vegetation, outstanding of which were the trees of Life and Knowledge. Adam is commanded not to eat from the tree of Knowledge but he was seduced into eating the eye catching marvelous looking fruit. As a result of this act he was expelled from Gan Eden and prevented from re-entering it. His level of consciousness was completely changed and therefore he was banished to another place. (The garden could not contain him in this state). In order to ensure that he would not turn back, 2 guardian angels were placed at the entrance to the garden, holding flaming rotating swords. Chazal say they were the Cherubim.

There are many realms in which this expulsion was rectified. The first was Abraham entering the Land of Israel, likened to the Garden of Eden. Abraham was on the level of the first man because he was the first to believe in G-d. Later on, when the children of Israel entered the Land after wandering through the desert and receiving the Torah, they reached this level comparatively too. The “parish” of Israel now contained Israelites. This level of rectification is preserved for roughly 1,400 years (with a 70 year exile in between) until the destruction of the second temple, with the Jewish people being completely banished and scattered all over the world. This exile resembles the shattering of the vessels and chaos again rules in the garden of Israel (Eden). This chaos has been endured for 2,000 years. But – miracles happen in this world as much as the world has a hard time accepting them. The branches of the trees that lay dormant for SO long begin to sprout. Looking back into world history at the mighty nations and empires that have risen and fallen, we see only their relics in museums. Where is the Roman empire today? It is only the Children of Israel that have been an empire and ARE an empire today.

How does this connect to Tu B’shvat? The rectification of the relationship between man and tree takes place on this virtuous day, the New Year of the Trees. The dormant days of winter are just about over and the trees germinate at this time exactly. This means that it is the New Year for planting and determining the date of a tree from the time of it’s planting. This applies solely to trees in the Land of Israel. It is a designated day for rejoicing in Israel’s fruits. As the hours of sunlight begin to increase from this day on (until Tu B’av) the notorious almond trees blossom, looking like an array of white and pink wedding gowns, the now green hills the wedding canopy. Now that the Jewish people are being restored to their land the cure for the exile is indeed in reclaiming the Land, like a bride being restored to her betrothed.

The fields, olive groves and vineyards, the hothouses and all the branches of agriculture make the Land a permanent possession and bring to mind the blessings given to this land. Here on Itamar we witness this vision coming true. We are very proud that Israel is one of the top high tech countries in the world. We feel proud when we see her super modern skyscrapers and achievements in sports and cinema. But, the key to her success is in the simple tilling of her soil, bringing her out of her long slumber. Aside from clearing the rocks and planting there are also other projects that are vital to the people that live here. Complacency is not an option for any Jewish person today in the world. There are many ways to be a part of this redemptive process. By joining the people that bring the Land to life, you are being brought to life!

What better sign of the redemption than actually seeing the verse of the prophet come to life: “But you, O mountains of Israel shall shoot forth your branches and yield your fruit to my people for they will be soon be coming!” (Ezekiel 34)

We pray to be able to eventually bring the bikkurim to the Holy Temple (may it be rebuilt speedily in our days) which is the highest level of representation of the Garden of Eden. There, the Cherubim will witness the High Priests eating and rectifying the fruit of the trees of Israel, the Garden of Eden.

Shabbat Shalom! Leah Goldsmith

· For all those who want to participate in our tree planting project, please send your tax-deductible donation to: Friends of Itamar and earmark- Tree Planting. · Please come to Itamar and see the gardens and many trees already planted!

*As far as Holiday tips-I will share something with you. The month of Shvat is the time of the rectification of eating (according to Kabbalah). I guess the winter bears have gone overboard, but anyway, wherever I look there is always white flower and sugar in all the goodies that can be made. It’s really pretty yucky. The other night I threw (literally) some vegetables into a pan based with olive oil. They included: fresh garlic cloves, green pepper strips, fresh mushrooms, zucchini, sweet potatoe strips, cherry tomatoes and leeks. I drizzled onto this some more olive oil (home made) and a little ginger powder and garlic powder. Put into a hot over for 40 minutes- you WILL have some satisfied family and friends wanting you to make again soon. Bon Apetite and a happy and healthy New Year to the trees!

Shabbat Shalom Leah Goldsmith

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All Torah Teachings Holiday Teachings Succoth Written Teachings

Succoth 5769

A Blessing for the Fruit of the Trees – Succoth 5769 The secret of the Four Species The great Cabalist and student of the famous Ramchal, Harav Moshe David Wali, was an author of an amazing work on the Tanach which included 2800 pages! I want to relate to you a message that he writes on his commentary on the book of Leviticus, chapter 26, where the Torah teaches us about the holiday of Succoth. The Torah tells us ” Also in the fifteenth day of the seventh month, when you have gathered in the fruit of the land, you shall keep a feast to G-D seven days: on the first day shall be a Sabbath, and on the eighth day shall be a Sabbath.” Rabbi Wali says that it is known that the produce of the land that is gathered up on Succoth time is fruit and not grains which are harvested up on Passover and Shavuot. From these grains the “Omer” and the “Two bread” offerings were brought. Therefore, in order to complete the blessing on the produce of the land, G-d gave us a Divine service on Succoth that pertains to the fruit of the trees. By blessing over the four species all the different types of trees are incorporated into the blessing. There are trees that their fruit have taste and smell they are represented by the Etrog (Citron). Other trees have taste and no smell, to signify them we were commanded to take the Lulav (date palm). The myrtle (Hadas) corresponds to the trees that have a smell but no taste. Finally, the Aravah (willow) stands for the trees without smell and taste. This is the simple explanation on the Mitzvah of the four species. On a cabbalistic level each of the species represents a letter of the Divine name – the Tetragrammaton. By taking the four species we are unifying the name of G-d and thus bring down a special blessing to the fruit of the trees. This stresses the importance this Divine service of blessing over the “Arbaat Haminim” each and every day of the Succoth holiday. If the Jewish nation would not perform this Mitzvah, G-d forbid, the fruit of the world would dry up! A proof of this is what our rabbis bring down that when the Holy Temple was destroyed the taste was taken away from the fruit of the trees. It is a known fact that the major portion of the Divine abundance was channeled through our Holy Bet Hamikdash in Jerusalem. Therefore, when the four species were blessed on in the Temple a tremendous blessing of abundance was brought down into the fruit of the trees and the result was that the taste of these fruit was the most delicious possible! Unfortunately, when the Temple was destroyed this Divine service was only preformed outside of the Temple. The repercussions were an immediate loss of Divine abundance given to the fruit which led to the fruit losing there special taste. The little abundance that we succeed in bringing down outside the temple on Succoth sustains the fruit of the trees throughout the world. If we weren’t performing this Mitzvah the world would be without fruit! Interestingly, if we taste the fruit of Israel today it is quite delicious. One can imagine how great the taste of the fruit was during the time when our temple stood in Jerusalem in all its glory. Let us pray that we will speedily rebuild our Temple! If the world only knew how much of a blessing our temple will bring to the entire world they would be demanding us to start rebuilding our Bet Hamikdash today. Chag Sameach – Rabbi Moshe Goldsmith, Itamar, Israel

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All Torah Teachings Holiday Teachings Written Teachings Yom Kippur Day of Atonement

Yom Kippur 5769

Yom Kippur message Oct. 8th 2008 Tet Tishtay 5769

Seemingly, this week’s Parasha has a strange beginning as it opens with “And Moses went and spoke these words to all Israel” (Deuteronomy 31:1) without telling us where he went. Our Rabbis explain that Moshe went to the Israeli encampment to personally say good bye to the Jewish people before his death. He wanted to ensure the nation that although he is going to leave them to join the ranks of the upper worlds everything will be ok. Am Yisrael, who was about to enter the land of Israel knew that it had to face the challenge of capturing and dividing the land. Moshe ensured them that they had nothing to fear since Hashem will destroy the nations that interfere with them just as he had done to Sichon and Og. Nevertheless, the question still remains why the Torah doesn’t mention out right where Moshe goes. Of course, this is not the first time the Torah leaves out important details that are brought down in oral traditions. Even so, when this does happen we must ask – why.

One important rule is that in such an instance the Torah is clearly leaving room for different explanations. Since the Torah is Divine light, it is infinite! The more we look deeper into the words of the Torah the more we will discover. Yet, in my opinion, in this instance mentioning the word “Vayelech” (“went”), without saying where, has a unique meaning in the Torah. There is only one other place in the Torah that mentions the word “went” in a similar context. “Now a man from the house of Levi went and married a daughter of Levi” (Exodus 2:1) The Torah doesn’t tell us where he went to marry the daughter of Levi. It just says that he went! This union refers to Amram and Yocheved, the parents of Moshe Rabeynu. As we know Amram separated from Yochaved after the Egyptians decreed that all male children born must be cast into the Nile River. Amram who was the head of the generation (Gadol Hador) reasoned that it didn’t make sense to bring children into the world if they were to be killed in the end. The Jews of the time followed the advice of their leader and separated from their wives. Amram’s daughter Miriam, who was only a child at the time, reproved her father for issuing such a Psak(ruling). She said your Psak is worse than Pharaoh, he decreed on the males your decree affects the females as well. Amram, as a true Gadol Hador (great leader of the generation) response was “Vayelech” he was able to leave his first conception of the situation and reconsider his decision. Most people in such a situation would not be able to recognize their mistake especially when being reproved by a young child. Amram’s greatness is seen here by his ability to rise to the moment and repent by taking back his wife. If it wasn’t for this repentance his son Moshe, the savior of the Jewish nation, would not have been born.

As I mentioned in the beginning of this essay the only other time Vayelech has the same usage is in this weeks portion Vayelech Moshe, which is an account of Moshe’s last day in this world. Our rabbis explain that physically Moshe Rabeynu was healthy as ever. He had no problem in entering the land of Israel and fighting the wars against Israel’s enemies. Nevertheless, Hashem had different plans for him; it was time for his soul to return to his creator and reach much greater spiritual heights. It was Joshua’s turn to take the leadership of the nation. There is an unbelievable Midrash that describes the tremendous tension and turmoil that was weighing on Moshe. Moshe didn’t want to leave this world. The Yalkut Shimoni on Devarim 35 brings down the following account – “G-D let Joshua have my leadership and I will continue to live on and accept his rule. G-D said to Moshe OK treat him as he treated you. Immediately, Moshe gets up in the morning and goes to Joshua’s house. Joshua was afraid of hosting his rabbi at his home so they went for a walk. Moshe stood to the left of Joshua. They both entered the Tabernacle and the cloud of glory descended and separated between the two of them. When the cloud disappeared Moshe asked Joshua what Hashem had told him. Joshua responded “when the word of G-d came to you did I know what Hashem spoke with you! At that moment Moshe shouted out one hundred deaths and not one bit of jealousy!”

The greatness of Moshe as a leader is shown here how he is able to cope with the greatest test ever and accept the situation. This is alluded to in the word VAyelech. Most leaders in a similar situation would do everything in their power to hold on to the throne. Moshe Rabeynu displayed his greatness by being able to step down. In a few hours the fast of Yom Kippur will enter. Yom kippur is a time of reflection more than any other time. Let us rise to the moment and throw away previous conceptions that need to be rectified!

Rabbi Moshe Goldsmith, Itamar, Israel

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All Torah Teachings Holiday Teachings Rosh Hashana New Year Written Teachings

Rosh Hashanah 5769

Rosh Hashanah Thoughts 5769

In a world that we balance our lives between the practical accomplishments of our goals and spiritually yearning for the unreachable, Elul is a time that connects these 2 aspects of our lives, ending the year in equilibrium as we shop, prepare, run around getting ready for the yamim tovim while we simultaneously bang our hearts in selichot and directly talk to G-d. We discover a wide gate opening up for us as we enter the New Year. On either side of the great scales, having in each hand Chesed (right hand- loving-kindness) and Gevurah (left hand- judgment). The ever merciful Ein Sof provides us with never ending bounty. In gevurah it is contained. For example, a container that holds strawberry jam that you just made: without the jar, we couldn’t hold onto the jam. It would drain away. So, gevurah is actually the vessel that includes the chesed into it. It is essential in the chesed process. It puts up important boundaries, walls that preserve.

These are called the days of judgment. That is why it is exactly the time to stop and think a little about our lives and focus on Hashem’s great chesed that He does with us all the time. How can we be likened to that? Did we spend enough time, effort and patience with others? Did we define it with clear boundaries taking it thus far so that it doesn’t take away time from our family, spouse, and other important realms of our lives so that in essence it was easy to do? We love our kids but we’re not just showering them with bounty but trying to teach them the value of things by also limiting them. Chesed and gevurah aren’t like holding a daisy and picking one petal at a time, “He loves me, He loves me not.” It’s not an either- or, but a recipe for balance in life bringing us to remember the passuk from Shir Hashirim ” His right hand under my head and His left hugging me.”

The closeness of Parshat Nitzavim to Rosh Hashana reminds us as we read about standing all together before Hashem, about unity. When we stand together as one, judgment and kitrug (denouncing and defaming) cannot affect us. It’s when there is separation and fragmentation that Din comes down unto individuals. Therefore, these are exactly the days that a person should do his utmost to “fix” things, keep away from arguments and not fall into the trap of fighting back with someone looking for mischief. Life is full of these tests all the time. You have to have a lot of chesed and gevurah to deal with this.

May the New Year bring with it many blessings to you and all of Am Yisrael. May we hear only good things and try to do more good things. This goes without saying that our destinies are in His hands.

Shana Tova!!! G’mar Chatima Tova Shabbat Shalom Leah Goldsmith

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All Torah Teachings Holiday Teachings Lag Baomer Written Teachings

Lag Baomer Message

Lag Baomer-2008 May 23, 2008

Lag Baomer has always been a great day in itself; before the days of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochay, and even before the counting of the Omer. It is the day that judgment is changed into mercy. On this day, after finally leaving the exile with his wives, children, much cattle and sheep, Ya’akov built a monument that he positioned between his camp and Lavan’s. It is called the Gal Ed. (Gal is numerically equivalent to 33) The relationship between Ya’akov and Lavan was much like Am Yisrael in Mitzrayim (that left their servitude in great wealth). On the 33rd day of their Exodus, in the interval between the physical birth from Egypt and the spiritual birth of receiving the Torah, they experienced complete liberty in its entirety from Mitzrayim on a level unique only to that day the 18th of Iyar). This day symbolizes the relinquishment of any foreign nation’s official occupation of Am Yisrael. This falls out on Lag Baomer- the day Lavan and Mitzrayim are subdued.

The Arizal brings down that Bilam Harasha was the gilgul(reincarnation) of Lavan. Bilam lived lag (33) years. His entire goal as the head of the mixed multitudes was to reverse the process of redemption of Am Yisrael and return them to Egypt. He wanted to cause the Jewish people to be in eternal galut, as all of our enemies have tried through time to do. But what Bilam didn’t know was that Am Yisrael return only to Hashem.

A person can attain spirituality through 3 channels. 1) his/her spirit (what he hears, what he learns and how this affects him 2) the holiness of time, the virtues of the holidays 3) the holiness of a certain place and the influence it has on a person’s da’at. That special feeling of Shabbat- we cannot take with us into Sunday. The healing power it gives we can’t feel on a Wednesday. We don’t mix holidays and their specific significance. A lulav and etrog can’t be used on Chanukah and on Shavuot we don’t make a seder. – When we go to a holy place like Israel and kivrey tzadikim(the tombs of the righteous) we experience real and unique impressions on our psyche. But later, maybe not the next day but later, the original magic of what we felt when we were there ebbs…. You can’t take that place with you! (unless you decide to live there).

Lag Baomer is all encompassing in these 3 components. It is unique in this and makes it an extremely special day indeed. On a kabbalistic level it is the HodshebaHod (splender of splender), the time to know what to know and the time not to know what you don’t need to know. The inner nefesh (soul) as a whole receives its vitality on this day. True happiness is connecting to the roots so that the branches can spread out. This is done through the da’at, the root of roots.

Esav is called straw. The house of Ya’akov- fire and the house of Yosef, a great flame. The fire and flames of our forefathers will totally eliminate Amalek (and our doubts) in the merit of this day!

(taken from the teachings of the great tzaddik Harav Chaim Hacohen).

Shabbat Shalom- Leah Goldsmith

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All Torah Teachings Holiday Teachings Lag Baomer Written Teachings

Lag Baomer

Bahar- Lag Ba’Omer May 16, 2008 Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochay was one of the five surviving students of Rabbi Akiva that all died between Pesach and the Atzeret. It is brought down that these 24,000 students perished because of not honoring one another in the way of speech. Instead of saying good and encouraging things and finding good points in each other, they fell into disapprobation, criticism and condemnation. This was known as the “dark, dark time of dispute.” It was so dark that it was actually impossible to see one another, the core of the problem. The rectification for this was the teachings of Rabbi Shimon who is called the “Bootzina Kadisha”, the holy candle. Whatever he said, gave light. In the holy Zohar, Rabbi Shimon tells his talmidim, “Ana, bechavivuta taley-” “all of our success depends on an amiable attitude, and being pleasant.” This affects our relationships so that we can all become vessels that bring down Divine light and make the world a brighter place. This is why we light the bonfire on Lag Ba’omer, in the merit of Rabbi Shimon who brought a great light through his teachings. In Kabbalah, Da’at is the key tool needed to see and speak only good things. When a person is on the level of da’at, then he can transmit thought processes positively into speech. When a person looses his da’at, or has not attained it- he dips into foolishness- much of this is furnished by the negative side of his imagination. It is critical to know that what we say to people can either “Make them or break them.” What we say to our children builds them. What we say to our students, if not said with the utmost sensitivity can leave a blemish on them for the rest of their lives. What we say to our parents, and the Torah marks a special mitzvah in this- is one of the Ten Commandments! How we relate to our spouses, neighbors, communities and the world at large, but Rabbi Shimon says that it starts with what we say to ourselves. Dear Readers, After celebrating 60 years of independence I feel compelled in the wake of this Torah to say, hopefully from the place of da’at, a few comments on this country we have been living in for the last 23 years. It has become pretty commonplace to see people with a “thumbs down” attitude. In many conversations there’s a lot of ostracizing. Especially for those of us who hold the Land dear and can’t fathom why the State at large does not share these same values. Gush Katif, a thriving region of proud Jewish people was plowed down only to become the forefront of Katusha rockets aimed at urban centers. The north Shomron communities that were evacuated now stand empty, closed military zones that almost touch our major power plants. Why? Mistakes, terrible mistakes have been made. Corruption reeks from our Prime Minister’s office. There is no leadership, and no hasbara. Those that want to wipe out Israel have become the “negotiators” and the settlers are constantly being portrayed as the bad guys. What is up is down and what is down is up. (A sure sign of the redemptive process!) I believe that this is all a test. We certainly pray to Hashem not to test us anymore. Can we step out of this darkness and also see the above nature things that are happening here too? Eretz Yisrael is giving her fruit beayin yafa- the bounty is mesmerizing. It is expensive for sure- but what were people eating 60 years ago here? The fruits and vegetables from the good earth are larger, tastier and beshefa (in abundance)more than any other time in history. The variety of people that live here from very black to very white from every country of the 4 corners of the world sends chills of excitement down my spine. Prophesies are coming true every day. The Land is calling her people home to her. In the last 10 years one million olim chadashim (new immigrants) have been absorbed by 5 million. That’s like America absorbing 60 million people! Can this be fathomed?! Israel’s economy is growing in leaps and bounds. The superhighways, buildings, buildings, bridges and yes- the hilltops of the Shomron are all going up before our very eyes. We are not an oil rich country but our minds are our assets. High tech and satellite industries are flourishing. Our army is strong, and a wonderful melting pot of all young people who meet and bond patriotically. It has won many wars when all the odds were against them. The chesed (kindness committees) that have been set up and working are testimony to a true torah loving people. Speaking of Torah, Israel is today the largest Torah learning center of the entire world. Ki Mitzion tetzeh Torah! Israel is a beautiful country that continues to grow. Come and see it, come and join it and help make it a better place. Please help this process by shining your distinct light! Shabbat Shalom- Leah Goldsmith

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All Torah Teachings Holiday Teachings Purim Written Teachings

Purim

Dear Readers, A few years ago, my husband and I and some of our children went to demonstrate against the disengagement from Gaza- what in essence was actualized in the dismantling of Gush Katif and handing over that exquisite place to Chamas. On the way we drove through Ashkelon amazed at the beautiful marina on the sea and the luxury apartment buildings that have sprouted up over the last 2 decades. There were dove shaped, blue signs everywhere – “Ashkelon is for peace”. It was the blues of “peace” and the oranges of “no Land for “peace” ” in those days. People still wear their symbolic orange strings. They hang in people’s cars, on pocketbooks, knapsacks, doorways….but the blue signs in Ashkelon have been replaced with emergency sirens and posters with instructions about what to do in case of bombs falling. What a spring! The struggle for the Land of Israel continues. It is so painful when you think about how all of this could have been prevented if only there had been enough foresight. The south of Israel is exploding , the north – always an imminent cloud hovering over its communities and their safety, terrorists in the form of “Israeli citizens” born and bred in Jerusalem, exploding in the country’s capital in our yeshivas. We say and continue to say that we only console ourselves with those healthy minded individuals like you that love the Land of Israel. We, here in Itamar, in the very heart of the country – the heart that provides life sustenance to the entire body, can’t emphasize how important it is to be involved in helping to change the situation. We have to spread the word as much as we can. Spring with Purim and Passover on the way is a time of birth. A nation is born and has a mission to accomplish. A person is also born into reality with a target destination, much like a person born into a ship at sea. Sometimes the sea is tranquil, sometimes stormy- we don’t know why the weather fluctuates or even when we will reach port. So, we can act in three ways- 1) some people decide to jump off the ship and swim away from it, avoiding their reality and destiny and their connection to their crew. 2) some will play chess, drink beer, wherever the ship sways – so be it, go with the flow, but avoid effort or strategic thinking 3) and some people will take “the bull by the horns” and grab the oars to help direct the ship to its destiny. Grab an oar – let’s work together, with Hashem’s help, for the future of nation, the Land, and dock at the final redemption!

Purim Sameach Leah Goldsmith Itamar

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All Torah Teachings Holiday Teachings Written Teachings

Tu B’Shvat

Tu B’Shvat January 24, 2008

On Tu B’Shvat the source of potential growth in all spheres of life awakens. The tree in the field stands bare exposed to cold, wind, and rain. The prospect of sprouting buds and flowering blossoms seems far from possible but it is on this wintry and dormant day that a new life force is surging forth. We celebrate Tu B’Shvat for the first day of this process that is under way. Soon the trees will be adorned with leaves and fruit. It a day of blessings on the bounty of the Land and when blessing this abundance, Hashem in return pours down the plenty and blesses us back.

When we sow, till plant and reap (not on a shmita year), we can easily get mixed up and say, “I have worked so hard! This is my doing- my accomplishment!” One must know that man is a vessel through which Hashem brings down and bestows upon the world all of its affluence. Tu B’shvat is also an analogy to the redemptive process that begins at the darkest hour of Jewish History. The trees have shredded their leaves and everything is dormant which creates an atmosphere of hopelessness. Suddenly spring bursts forth with all of its splendor. Our generation has had the amazing merit to witness the Hatchalta Hageula(beginning of redemption) From the ashes of the Holocaust we have returned home and are eating from the fruits of the land. May Hashem open up our eyes to see and focus on the goodness of the Israel and may it continue to grow and prosper!

Shabbat Shalom,

Leah Goldsmith Itamar

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All Torah Teachings Holiday Teachings Written Teachings

Succot

width=In that day I will raise up the fallen booth of David…” Amos (9:11), On Succot, during the blessing after the meal, we recite the verse from the prophet Amos (9:11), “In that day I will raise up the fallen booth of David…”   It may conjure the picture of a dilapidated succah being schlepped along by a wandering Jew through the two-thousand years of our miserable exile, as he prays for its resurrection.  What is so special about raising up a decrepit old booth?  Why was it chosen as a symbol for the Jewish people on the holiday of Succot?  The Maharal of Prague (Rabbi Yehudah Livah ben Bizalel, 1515 – 1609) explains in his book, Netzah Yisrael, that to the external eye it is the physical and natural things that seem strong and established, while the spiritual realm of the divine often appears frail and elusive. He goes on to say that when a house is destroyed and rebuilt, it is essentially a new building.  However, a succah which was knocked down and rebuilt is a restoration of the same structure that existed before.  It is not transient like a building which can be rebuilt from scratch, but no longer contains its former essence–rather a spiritual potential which can never be destroyed.  In other words, the great spiritual energy which existed during the time of King David will again be restored to its full capacity.

This messianic power will have the strength to uplift all those who have fallen, and bring back to life the positive energy of Am Yisrael which has not yet reached its full fruition. The secret of the holiday of Succot, which comes only days after Yom Kippur, is that Hashem takes us into the succah to love and embrace us, and to give us, at this special time, the taste of the “raised booth of David,” when we will have the segula (privilege) of standing up like a lulav.

Adapted from an article by Rabbi Natan Chai

Rabbi Moshe Goldsmith Itamar