Friday, September 08, 2006

Daf Yomi - Sukkah 7 - Lekavod Shabbos

The Gemara discusses allowing an abbreviated third wall to be effective for carrying on the Shabbos of Sukkos. It is worth exploring the association between Shabbos and Sukkos as they appear to be mutually exclusive. It is noteworthy that the Torah states you shall dwell in booths for a seven-day period; every native in Israel shall dwell in booths. So that your generations will know that I caused the Children of Israel to dwell in booths when I took them from the land of Egypt; I am HaShem, your G-d. Regarding Sukkos the Torah uses the term ידעו, will know, and
regarding Shabbos it is said, now you speak to the Children of Israel, saying, however, you must observe My Sabbaths, for it is a sign between Me and you for your generations, to know (לדעת)that I am HaShem who makes You holy. Thus, the purpose of both Shabbos and Sukkos is to know that HaShem is our G-d and that He always protects us. This would explain why in the Shabbos Maariv prayers we end the blessing with the words ופרוש עלינו סכת שלומך and spread over us the shelter of Your peace. When we acknowledge Hashem’s Presence in our midst, HaShem will protect us from all harm.