The Sharing Sukkah
October 5, 2012 - 5:00 am“Jacob, on the other hand, traveled on to Succoth. There he built himself a house and made shelters for his livestock. That is why the place was named Succoth (which means ‘shelters’).” — Genesis 33:17
During Sukkot Jews all across the world fill God’s command recorded in the Bible to spend seven days living in makeshift huts known as sukkot (singular, sukkah). But did you also know that Sukkot is the name of a place in the Bible?
And while Jacob’s constructions of shelters for his livestock occurred many years before God commanded that the people of Israel observe the holiday Sukkot, I believe the “shelters” in the Genesis passage have something to teach us about the Sukkot holiday itself.
Jacob’s actions in this passage teach us about the essential nature of the sukkot that Jewish people build at this time of year. When you consider it, Jacob’s actions are actually quite remarkable. Here was Jacob, traveling with his family and a whole herd of animals. The experience must have been wearying, and at night, the job of putting up shelters so that both he and his family could sleep safely under a roof must have been even more tiring. The last thing Jacob would have wanted at the end of the day was more work.
And yet, the verse tells us that Jacob also made shelters for his animals. Indeed, Jacob was such a kind and loving person that he even worried about the well-being of his animals, who depended upon him for food and protection. Thus, putting up those extra sukkot represented an exemplary act of kindness.
In this verse, the Bible may actually be hinting at the true purpose of the holiday of Sukkot. On Sukkot, each Jewish family builds a hut – a sukkah – that is meant not only to hold that one family, but also to host guests and friends, and anyone who may wish to join in the celebration.
The holiday of Sukkot, in other words, is about sharing what is yours with others. Sukkot is about kindness and about going the extra mile for another . . . even when doing so might be inconvenient.
I pray that everyone is having a joyous Sukkot!
I have 2 sisters and 1 brother.As children we would build with small branches and leaves little shelters to play in.This was usually in warm months.HERE in Virginia.these months acure from May thru OCTOBER.This seems to bring back thoughts of love and innocence.We were taught by my mother[MYRA] about how to do this with just what was available.As we look to MOMS ancestors,Spain 1500′s who had to flee to Northern Europe and then to settle here in AMERICA where we prospered greatly.Even from early 1600,s.One of our ancestors name[not just this] was Soloman Draper.His was 1rst recorded marriage in 1635.We are a blessed family by sure from GOD.Good to rethink what we were taught by MOM and learn about Sukkah!Be Blessed!
MOMS ancestors she referred to as the Black Dutch.Our family[BOTH SIDES] in recorded American History here.Freedom to worship,choose,and fight for what we beleave in.You are now more than[even here] going to have to do just that!With prayers and love for Israel to prosper and win!The HAND OF GOD I certainly beleave is with you.Rejoice!You will not be defeated!Though hardship in todays world is what the BIBLE SAYS WILL BE..AS YOU CAME TO BE THE ONLY NATION IN WORLD HISTORY to come into being again,with original reastablished language [HEBREW] TO EVER EXIST!GOD said it,it has been done!Enjoy Sukkah!Prayers are always with you!
I know here also these Holy Days are now being observed as World Communion Day and this year The Church[most of it] is going to stand ground against attacks from within country to be silent as we are also Speaking out in Church for our Faith and Free S peech without sencorship!Check internet.America now not QUITE silent!
Sept. 30,devotional Psalmist quotes.Thanksgiving also while the peace now is becoming like sound of Trump.Be still and know God is with you!IN prayer 3rd watch.john david campbell
This fall season about 1/2 of people, maybe more here. are now going extra miles to bring new life to our and your country.Praying for peace to Jerusalem.The whole world then will have it.Rejoice and also be Divinely hightenly aware at world around us all.Durring these Holy Days!With hope for real change.Here and in Israel!Prayers of Shalom,john david campbell
Psalm 91.His hiding place!
Sept.20th.Devotional,I now am also member A.I.P.A.C., involved C.U.F.I..America here now Divine Providence.400+yrs.1967 , THEN 1973!Nixon and GOLDA MEYER,Divine Providence.Heart aches.Can see.Still very blessed.How long?This is the Day the LORD has made let us Rejoice and be glad in it…With Prayers of Shalom,,john david campbell.In 3rd WATCH.Have to pray for us all.With Thanksgiving to see this new day!Harvest is ripe.HE is with us always.David, I rise Early in the morning to seek Him…,THANK YOU FOR PRAYING FOR ME AT WALL!