Sukkot (5740)

The Alef Kabbala group (25 Sept. 07) studied a Maamar (chassidic discourse) taught by the Lubavitcher Rebbe just before Succot 5740 (1979). It was edited by the Rebbe and published at the time. The discourse focuses on the theme of drawing the surrounding radiance, expressed by the Succah roof, the 'schach', inwards into the person's knowledge and being. This corresponds to the idea of drawing Emunah, faith, which in itself relates to the beyond, into one's normal mind and understanding. The theme which helps to enable this process of drawing the infinite beyond into the here and now in a real way, is the unity of the Jewish people, a theme which itself is expressed by the Four Kinds of Plant (the discourse explains that each of these express unity) and by the Succah itself. For the Talmud says 'it would be fitting for thror the whole Jewish people to dwell in one Succah.