In The Shade Of The One Above

The Vilna Gaon discusses the particular appropriateness of the date we celebrate Sukkos by calculating when the Divine Presence ( Shechina ), and with it the Clouds Of Glory ( Annanei HaKavod ), returned to the Israelites after the Sin of the Golden Calf.

The final and complete atonement for the grievous breach was received on Yom Kippur ( thus setting the stage for Yom Kippur to be a day of atonement for all time ). Following that – the Israelites were commanded to build a tabernacle so that they would have a constant reminder of Hashem's presence in their midst ( and would not feel the temptation to create foreign representations of divinity ). The building drive took two days – and on the third day of the drive the Jews were told to stop bringing gold and other materials – there is a sufficient amount. (See Shemos 36:3-7).

So, on the 11^th of Tishrei the mishkan project was unveiled. On the 12^th and 13^th the building drive took place. On the 14^th, the Jews were told that no further materials were needed. And on the 15^th, the mishkan began to be constructed – thus returning the shechina to Israel.

Therefore, on the 15^th of Tishrei we sit in Sukkos in order to recreate the divine presence that was felt in the desert.

May we merit, this year, to truly rest beneath the holy shechina in our sukkos and may we see the coming redemption, speedily and in our days, amen.

Hatzlacha !!