We are all aware that the most perilous moment in the journey of an astronaut is re-entry. So too, after having experienced the spirituality of Rosh HaShana and Yom Kippur, we must now re-enter the material world. To ease our journey, the Almighty has commanded us to enter theSuccah, so that the spiritual energy that we acquired throughout this season might sustain us throughout the year.

If ever there was a time when the mitzvah of the succah speaks to us most poignantly, it is today, when we have become so painfully aware of our vulnerability. The succah reminds us that our protection and security cannot be found in structures of brick and stone, but through G-d. Sitting in our fragile succah we are infused with strength in the knowledge that G-d’s loving care and guidance are ever present - that as fearsome and hazardous as the world appears, we are never alone – He is always there.

This lesson of faith was imbibed by our forefathers who dwelt in succahs as they traveled through the desert to the Promised Land, and it has been reinforced throughout the centuries. From Pharaoh to Hitler, to Stalin, to Sadaam Hussein, Arafat, and Bin Laden, we have all seen them come and go, but G-d has sheltered us in His Succah and shall continue to do so. We need only have faith.

It is also important to remember that even as the succah is temporary, so is this world. Therefore, rather than focusing on our material assets, let us concentrate on that which is eternal – our souls, and how we may best elevate them.