The word sukkot (סֻכּוֹת) is the plural of the Hebrew word sukkah (סֻכָּה), meaning a “booth” or “hut.” In traditional Judaism, a sukkah is a temporary structure used for “living in” (i.e., primarily eating meals or entertaining guests) throughout the week-long holiday. The purpose of the sukkah is to remind us of how God tenderly cared for the Israelites as they made their trek through the dangers of the desert. God spoke endearingly to Israel: “Follow me into the wilderness, into an unsown land” (Jer. 2:2).
The Scriptures state, “The LORD upholds all who are falling and raises up all who are bowed down” (Psalm 145:14). It has been said that the word sukkah can be understood as an acronym formed from the words someikh Adonai (סוֹמֵךְ יְהוָה), “the LORD upholds,” kol (כָּל), “all,” and ha’nofe’leem (הַנּפְלִים), “the ones who fall.” This suggests that those who make a sanctuary within their hearts, trusting in God’s indwelling Presence, will be upheld and kept from falling (Jude 1:24). God knows many need this truth to be made real in this hour…
The Kotzer Rebbe said that the verse, “this is my God, and I will praise him, my father’s God, and I will exalt him” (Exod. 15:2), may be understood as, “this is my God, and I will make a dwelling for Him within me.” Though the LORD is forever enthroned in heaven as our Creator, King, and Deliverer, we still must make a dwelling within us. He stands at the door and knocks. “Where does God dwell,” it is asked, “but where He is given a dwelling place, a sanctuary, a throne within the heart?”
Psalm 145:14 Hebrew reading lesson (click):
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