The Spiritual Journey: The Connection Between Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and Sukkot
By: Rivkie Gottlieb
The chagim (holidays) in the month of Tishrei may appear disconnected at first glance. Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur share similarities in their profound sense of awe, as we stand before Hashem, crowning Him as our king, pray for forgiveness, and hope for a year filled with health and prosperity. Both these days are intense and dedicated to connecting with G-d on a spiritual level unlike any other time. Both holidays serve as expressions of Emuna - faith. And then, just four days later we transition into and celebrate Sukkot - known as Zman Simchateinu the time of our joy. This apparent shift from focusing on G-d to focusing on ourselves may seem contradictory.
The Torah Reading during Sukkot sheds light on how these holidays are interconnected. In Leviticus 23:43 it says, “Lema’an yedu dorotechem” which means “so that your generations will know.” The mitzvah of dwelling in a sukkah is outlined in the Torah, and it’s explained as a way for future generations (from the time of Matan Torah) to remember that Hashem provided protective clouds throughout Bnei Yisrael's journeys through the desert. The miracles during that time were abundant; from easy access to food, freedom from the need to launder clothes, feet protected from the harsh desert sand, and heads protected from the scorching sun. These miracles were clear and open. But why does G-d require us, later generations, to remember this? Does He need our recognition, or do we need it for our own benefit?
While we may not currently live or travel in a physical desert, spiritually, it may seem that those miracles and connection to G-dliness is a desert of sorts. Yes, we have our miracles - revealed and hidden, large and small but do we have the same level of faith as our forefathers in the desert?
We began the month crowning G-d and accepting Him as our King. We stood before Him asking for forgiveness and begging for a year of good. Now, during Sukkot we show our faith in Him that our actions on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur lead to this joyous time of Sukkot and actualization of faith. For we know that it will be good. We recognize the miracles in our lives and connect them to the miracles from the desert.
May we all merit countless and obvious miracles in health, success, parnasa, and nachat.