.

Sukkot means ‘shelters’ or ‘booths’; specifically, flimsy, make-shift shelters. For centuries during the Festival of Sukkot, Jews have erected such shelters outside, in their gardens. And some actually sleep in these shelters during the eight days of Sukkot. The construction of each sukkah consists of a simple framework covered with foliage, such as palm branches. It is essential that while residing in the sukkah, the stars, the heavens, remain visible through the branches of its 'roof'…. This is a place of vulnerability ~ a reminder that individual and communal safety are ephemeral; that our true security is in HaShem alone.

Sukkot, erected all over the world every year, celebrate the fact that it was HaShem who guided and protected the Israelites during their time of vulnerability in the wilderness; and that it is He who continues to be His people’s ‘place of refuge’. A sukkah is the very antithesis of a strong impermeable tower, or a massive fortress whose walls cannot be breached ~ or any other enduring refuge from the storms of life.  It is a reminder of the fragility of the human condition in contrast to the strong but tender protectiveness of HaShem. In sukkot across the globe tonight is an added element of surprise. Ripened fruit and sweets tied to the framework of each sukkah, add a delightful display of colourful abundance and beauty. These symbols of the protection of HaShem are thus complimented by symbols of His provision; specifically, bountiful harvests.
We move from the joyful Festival of Sukkot in the Torah portion, to a description of Israel’s cataclysmic war against Gog and Magog in the Haftarah portion (found in Ezekiel)… The prophet expounds on this war against vulnerable Israel, and on HaShem’s swift response: He will send an earthquake, pestilence, great floods, hailstones and fire—and utterly destroy the enemy. He will do it for the sake of His people ~ and for the sake of His Name… What are the other connections between these polar-opposites of a festival and war? Well, according to Jewish tradition, this war will take place during Tishrei; the month of Sukkot. And the Haftarah text of the first day of Sukkot concludes with the statement that gentile survivors of this war will have to go to Jerusalem annually, at Sukkot, to pay homage to HaShem.
The nation of Israel was vulnerable in the wilderness, Diaspora Jews are vulnerable to this day, the tiny State of Israel in the midst of hostile neighbours is extremely vulnerable and those who have been grafted in to the olive tree of Israel are also vulnerable. Because of our allegiance to HaShem, all are targeted by the Adversary. However, in our topsy-turvy walk of faith we soon learn that God’s strength is made perfect in His people’s weakness and vulnerability… He provided for the nation of Israel in the wilderness and their scattered descendants have never ceased to be a nation in His eyes; and He is the true ‘Iron Dome’ of the Land of Israel today… And since Adonai Tzva’ot (God of Heaven’s armies) alone understands and is able to do battle with the ‘unseen powers and principalities’ beyond our vision, it behooves us to patiently wait on Him in our flimsy sukkot (physical bodies)... and readily obey all promptings of His Spirit. Let us fix our gaze on Him, look up and, with joyful hearts, wait on the King of the Universe ~ our 'Melekh HaOlam'. Glimpses of His glory are there for all to see....  Beyond the palm fronds is evidence of the infinite and eternal One; of HaElyon (The Almighty), who is our protector and provider.
Thus will I display my glory among the nations, so that all the nations will see my judgement when I execute it and my hand when I lay it on them. From that day on, the House of Isra’el will know that I am Adonai their God… “ Ez 39:21-22

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