The festival of Sukkot is known as Zman Simchatenu—the “Time of Our Rejoicing.” Our joy during this season stems from two profound sources.
First, Sukkot commemorates the forty years the Israelites spent wandering in the wilderness after leaving Egypt, during which God sheltered and protected them “in sukkot” (Leviticus 23:42–43). Dwelling in temporary booths reminds us that even in the harshest circumstances—without land, wealth, or stability—God’s care never faltered. This trust, this intimate sense of divine protection, is itself a profound source of joy.
Second, Sukkot, also called Chag HaAsif (the Festival of Ingathering), marks the end of the agricultural year in Israel, when the harvest is gathered. It is a time of satisfaction and gratitude: the labor of planting, tending, and harvesting is complete, the fruits of the earth are stored, and the nation can rejoice in the blessings of sustenance provided by God in the Land.
Yet there is another dimension to Sukkot, one less associated with joy. In Israel, Sukkot marks the beginning of the rainy season. For most of its history, the economy of the Land of Israel was overwhelmingly agricultural, making timely and sufficient rainfall essential. Thus, the Mishnah teaches that on Sukkot, the world is judged for water (Rosh Hashanah 1:2). Even today, when Israel’s economy relies primarily on industry, technology, and services, rain remains foundational—replenishing aquifers, sustaining ecosystems, influencing crop yields, and maintaining soil quality.
If so, Sukkot is also a time of anxiety regarding rainfall in the year ahead which is why on Shemini Atzeret, we recite Tefillat Geshem (the Prayer for Rain), asking God to bless the land with life-giving rain in the months ahead.
In other words, Sukkot traditionally begins with joy—celebrating the blessings of the previous year—and then transitions into prayer for the year to come.
This year, however, Sukkot may be unfolding in reverse. Jews around the world, particularly the families of the hostages, are anxiously awaiting the acceptance, signing, and implementation of the Trump proposal aimed at ending the war in Gaza and securing the return of Israel’s 48 hostages. While we are acutely aware of the many obstacles and the risk that Hamas may try to undermine the deal before it is finalized, we fervently hope and pray for its success, and for this two-year nightmare to finally come to an end.
If Trump and Netanyahu are correct in asserting that the deal could be concluded and implemented within a few days or a week, there is a possibility that the hostages could return during Sukkot itself.
If that occurs, the festival that ordinarily begins with joy and transitions into prayer will, this year, begin with prayer—and, God willing, evolve into gratitude, rejoicing, and celebration.
Amen, may it be so.
