Parshas Haazinu Insights for Sukkot: Finding Joy and Gratitude in Uncertain Times

As we transition from the awe of Yom Kippur into the joy of Sukkot—Zman Simchaseinu, the time of our rejoicing—our focus shifts from intense introspection to spiritual celebration. But how do we truly feel joy amidst uncertainty? What does Parshas Haazinu teach us about gratitude, unity, and inner peace during Sukkot?

Let’s explore how Moshe Rabbeinu’s timeless message and the mitzvot of Sukkot can infuse our hearts with emunah (faith) and simcha (joy), even when life feels unpredictable.

"Hatzur Tamim Pa'olo" — Trusting in Hashem’s Perfect Plan

In Parshas Haazinu, Moshe Rabbeinu begins his powerful farewell song with the words:"הַצּוּר תָּמִים פָּעֳלוֹ" — "The Rock, His work is perfect."

This is one of the greatest principles of emunah: everything Hashem does is good, even when we don’t understand it. After Yom Kippur, we’re reminded of the story of the Asarah Harugei Malchus, when even the malachim (angels) questioned Divine justice—and Hashem silenced them with a reminder that His plan is beyond our grasp.

Sukkot calls us to surrender to Divine wisdom, leaving our homes—our "diras keva"—to dwell in temporary huts. We declare: “Hashem, we trust in You.” That trust is the first step to real simcha.

Avoiding “Am Naval” — The Dangers of Ingratitude

Moshe also warns of the spiritual pitfall of becoming an "Am Naval v’Lo Chacham"—a nation that forgets and fails to appreciate Hashem’s kindness.Rashi explains that "Naval" means one who is ungrateful. Ingratitude leads to dissatisfaction, even when we are surrounded by blessing.

On Sukkot, we pause to appreciate Hashem’s gifts—the food, the shelter, the family around us. It is no coincidence that this chag comes right after the harvest season. The Torah reminds us that true joy doesn’t come from comfort or luxury—it comes from recognizing the Source of all good.

If you want to feel simcha, step into your sukkah, look up at the stars through the s’chach, and say:"Thank You, Hashem, for everything I have—even what I don’t understand."

The Sukkah: Redefining What’s Temporary and What’s Eternal

Sukkot is not just a holiday—it’s a spiritual realignment.

Hashem commands us:"Leave your permanent home and dwell in a temporary one."

We give up our physical security to remind ourselves of a higher truth: only Hashem is constant. The sukkah teaches us that success, material comfort, and even our routines are temporary. What lasts is our connection to Hashem.

Even when it’s rainy or cold, sitting in the sukkah with mesiras nefesh (self-sacrifice) is a statement of emunah and gratitude. It's saying, “Hashem, I don’t need comfort. I need closeness with You.”

The Arba Minim: Unity Through Diversity

The mitzvah of the Arba Minim (lulav, esrog, hadasim, and aravot) reminds us that every Jew is essential. Some have taste, some have smell, some have neither—but we bind them together as one.

Hashem doesn't expect us all to be the same. Rather, He wants us to come together with our differences, our strengths and our flaws, and become an agudah achat—a unified bundle.

This is the antidote to "Am Naval": instead of focusing on what we lack, we rejoice in who we are and what others bring to the table.

Story: A Young Avreich, 50 Shekels, and a Lesson in Shalom

A true story shared this week in Yerushalayim highlights the spirit of Sukkot and the power of peace:

A young Avreich on a bus saw a wealthy passenger get into a heated argument with the driver over 50 shekels. Wanting to avoid a public fight, the Avreich—who had only 50 shekels to buy a gift for his wife for Yom Tov—quietly dropped his money on the floor, pretending it had been lost by the passenger.

When the situation de-escalated, a bystander revealed what had really happened. Moved by the Avreich’s sacrifice for Shalom, the wealthy man gifted him 5,000 shekels.

This is Sukkot in action: giving up what we want to bring Shalom, knowing Hashem will return that peace with blessing.

The Esrog and the Heart: Rejoicing with Warmth and Emunah

The esrog resembles a heart—and just like a flame, it burns upward. When we serve Hashem with heart and warmth, we ignite our simcha.

It’s not just about doing mitzvot—it’s about doing them with love.

As we take the Arba Minim and sit in the Sukkah, may we internalize the message of Haazinu and the spirit of Sukkot:

• Trust in Hashem’s perfect plan

• Count your blessings, not your worries

• Unite with others despite differences

• Prioritize peace over pride

• Rejoice with your whole heart

Wishing You a Chag Sameach and a Good Kvitl!

May this Sukkot fill your home and your heart with true simcha, lasting emunah, and deep gratitude. Let’s carry the light of Yom Kippur into the Sukkah, and let the sukkah become our shelter of peace—"Sukkat Shlomecha."

Have a meaningful and joyous Yom Tov!