BS’D
Today’s daily dose is dedicated to the refuah shleimah of Chana bat Esther Bluma. May Hashem shower her with complete healing among all of Klal Yisrael who are sick and suffering b’karov, b’rachamim, Amen.
Many Jewish festivals are accompanied by the clear Divine declaration: be joyous. Why is Succot singled out and associated with the description as ‘the time of our joy?’ There are many reasons.
To begin, Succot is reminiscent of Dor HaMidbar, generation of the desert, where B’nai Yisrael wandered through desolate grounds where negative forces prey. Feeling vulnerable and unprotected they found comfort as their eyes gazed upward and witnessed the Clouds of Glory enveloping their every move. Their emuna was fortified when their physical need to eat and drink was taken care of by the Heavenly Manna and well of Miriam. What comfort and security they must have experienced knowing that Hashem was taking care of them and guiding their way.
Once a year we are given a gift called Succot. Here we are able to once again feel Hashem’s intimate care and protection. The schach, roof made of earthly material and flimsy by nature reminds us that life in this world is transitory; this world is just an illusion and serves a higher purpose.
Ultimate joy lies in purpose. There is no greater happiness than knowing that we serve a primary role in something bigger and greater than ourselves – that everything we do makes a significant difference in Hashem’s master plan of creation.
The inner awareness that everything is being intimately supervised by Borei Olam and that everything is planned precisely to enable us to fulfill our potential and mission adorns life’s path with meaningful lasting joy.
When we sit in our Succot this year, let us recall the basic messages of Emuna:
1) It’s all from Hashem!
2) Hashem is my Father
3) Hashem loves me. Therefore it must be good!
It’s all in our latest Emuna magnet! Help sponsor it and spread the word. It changes lives.
Have a great Chag filled with Emuna and Simcha. The Daily Dose of Emuna will be ‘off’ until after Succot.
