The symbolism of Sukkot
| Author | DVORA WAYSMAN |
| Published date | 27 September 2021 |
| Publication title | Jerusalem Post, The: Web Edition Articles (Israel) |
"There is a time for every purpose under heaven …
A time to be born and a time to die;
A time to plant and a time to pluck up that which is planted;
A time to love and a time to hate;
A time of war and a time of peace…
A time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing…"?
Many people who sing these words, or quote proverbs like "There is nothing new under the sun" are unaware that they are taken from the Book of Ecclesiastes, which is called "Kohelet" in Hebrew. The name comes from the Greek word for "Convoker," which we translate as "The Preacher," and it is read in every synagogue during Sukkot, the Feast of Tabernacles.
During Sukkot, we are commanded to "dwell in booths seven days; all that are Israelites born shall dwell in booths; that your generations may know that I made the children of Israel to dwell in booths when I brought them out of the Land of Egypt." (Leviticus 23:39-44).
There is a lot of symbolism connected with Sukkot. The temporary booths we build bring us face to face with the realization that human life is frail and transitory. We are even forbidden to make our sukkah taller or lower than 20 cubits (30 feet), similarly to convey the lesson that we should be neither too proud and overbearing, nor too humble and lowly.
Why do we read the words of The Preacher at this time? The author describes himself as:
"The son of David, king in Jerusalem" so Kohelet is attributed to King Solomon who was noted for his wisdom.
Wisdom is used in the Bible as one of the three departments of knowledge, the others being Torah and prophecy. The wise men (who gave us Proverbs, Job and Ecclesiastes) sought by observation and reflection to know things as they stand related to God and man.
The practical aspect of wisdom is exemplified in the teachings of Ecclesiastes, where the ideal of life is a composite of patience, endurance, discretion, work, help to the distressed and consideration for one's fellow man.
The words are beautiful and poetic, amongst the most beautiful in the Bible, although some find a sense of futility and pessimism in part of them. Kohelet finds life unsatisfying… wealth and its pursuit does not bring happiness and it is often lost before it can be enjoyed.
"I...
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