Unfolding the Scroll, for Sukkot

    Sukkot is one of the holidays when it is traditional to read from one of the five scrolls: Esther [Purim], Ecclesiastes [Sukkot= Feast of Booths], Ruth [Shavuot or Pentecost], Song of Songs [Passover], Lamentations [Tish'ah B'av -Ninth of Av].

    People have puzzled over the choice of Ecclesiastes for Sukkot—here is a book that at times appears to be a cynical evaluation of life by a bitter old man. What connection can it have with such a joyous festival such as Sukkot, when we are to offer thanksgiving for a bountiful harvest?

    Ecclesiastes [Kohelet in Hebrew], declares that the L-rd is the only meaningful basis for our life. Only if we build our life upon the L-rd, will we be able to look back with satisfaction on what we have accomplished.  Moses communicates this truth in Deuteronomy 8:3: “Man does not live by bread alone but by every word that comes from the mouth of G-d.”

    In that passage, Moses reminded Israel that despite the hardships of desert living during 40 years, somehow all its basic needs were met.  

    Like Israel, we too kvetch (complain) and even murmur when we hit a tough patch in the road. Yet, as we learn to trust Him for our basic needs, we are amazed that “our clothes don’t wear out and our feet don’t swell,” (Deuteronomy 8:4).  As we learn to trust Him and attend to the business of His kingdom, He sees to it that our needs are met out of His rich storehouse (Matthew 6:13; Philippians 4:19).

    Sukkot is also a time to look ahead—just as the L-rd has met our needs in the past, He is able and willing to continue doing so. We know that because He is a faithful G-d, consistent even when we are faithless. That’s His character—He “can’t help Himself,” (II Timothy 2:13).  

    As well, we look further down the road to a time when Sukkot will be celebrated world-wide. All nations will come to Jerusalem to worship the L-rd at this feast (Zechariah 14:16). What an awesome prospect for us living in a world torn by bloodshed and war.