Sukkot & joy – Ask the Rabbi
Q. We call Pesach the Festival of Matzot, Shavu’ot the Festival of the Giving of the Torah and Sukkot the Festival of Joy. Is there some special joy about Sukkot?
A. We rejoice on all the festivals, but Sukkot has several extra dimensions of joy:
• We thank God for the bounty we enjoy, not just on special occasions but every day.
• We thank Him for His protection, not just in a specific circumstances but every day.
• We thank Him for what He does for the whole world, not just for the Jewish people.
• We thank Him for both the light and the shade we experience.