share torah logo

Deuteronomy 16:13 - Sukkot: Harvest joy in huts

Deuteronomy 16:13 - דברים 16:13

Hebrew Text

חַג הַסֻּכֹּת תַּעֲשֶׂה לְךָ שִׁבְעַת יָמִים בְּאָסְפְּךָ מִגָּרְנְךָ וּמִיִּקְבֶךָ׃

English Translation

Thou shalt observe the feast of booths seven days, after thou hast gathered in thy corn and thy wine:

Transliteration

Chag haSukot ta'aseh lecha shiv'at yamim be'aspecha migornecha umiyikvecha.

Hebrew Leining Text

חַ֧ג הַסֻּכֹּ֛ת תַּעֲשֶׂ֥ה לְךָ֖ שִׁבְעַ֣ת יָמִ֑ים בְּאׇ֨סְפְּךָ֔ מִֽגׇּרְנְךָ֖ וּמִיִּקְבֶֽךָ׃
חַ֧ג הַסֻּכֹּ֛ת תַּעֲשֶׂ֥ה לְךָ֖ שִׁבְעַ֣ת יָמִ֑ים בְּאׇ֨סְפְּךָ֔ מִֽגׇּרְנְךָ֖ וּמִיִּקְבֶֽךָ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Mitzvah of Sukkot

The verse commands the observance of the festival of Sukkot for seven days, specifically after the gathering of the harvest. This timing is significant, as Rashi explains (Devarim 16:13) that Sukkot is set during the harvest season when one's granaries and wine cellars are full. This serves as a reminder that our material blessings come from Hashem, preventing arrogance and fostering gratitude.

Agricultural Context and Spiritual Meaning

Rambam (Hilchot Yom Tov 6:20) emphasizes that Sukkot follows the harvest to teach that even when one is surrounded by abundance, one must leave the comfort of a permanent home and dwell in a temporary sukkah. This act demonstrates trust in Hashem's providence, as the sukkah symbolizes the divine protection experienced during the Exodus and in the wilderness.

Symbolism of the Sukkah

  • The sukkah represents the "clouds of glory" (ענני הכבוד) that surrounded Bnei Yisrael in the desert, as taught in the Midrash (Sifrei Devarim 143).
  • Leaving one's secure home for a fragile booth underscores humility and dependence on Hashem, as noted by the Chizkuni (Devarim 16:13).
  • The timing after harvest reinforces the idea that material success should not lead to complacency, but rather to spiritual reflection (Sefer HaChinuch, Mitzvah 423).

Connection to Simcha (Joy)

The Talmud (Sukkah 48a) teaches that Sukkot is called "the time of our joy" (זמן שמחתנו) because it follows the harvest, when people naturally feel joyous. The mitzvah channels this physical joy into spiritual rejoicing through the observance of the festival's commandments, including dwelling in the sukkah and taking the four species (arba minim).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sukkah 11b
The verse is discussed in the context of the mitzvah of dwelling in a sukkah and the timing of the festival in relation to the harvest.
📖 Rosh Hashanah 13a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the timing of the harvest and its relation to the festival of Sukkot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the meaning of the verse about the Festival of Sukkot in Deuteronomy 16:13?
A: The verse commands the Jewish people to observe the seven-day Festival of Sukkot (Booths) after gathering in the harvest from their grain and wine. According to Rashi, this timing connects the joy of the harvest with gratitude to Hashem for providing sustenance. The sukkah (booth) reminds us of the temporary dwellings our ancestors lived in during the Exodus from Egypt.
Q: Why does the Torah connect Sukkot to the harvest season?
A: The Rambam explains that linking Sukkot to the harvest season teaches us humility. When people gather abundant crops, they might become arrogant and attribute success to their own efforts. Dwelling in a temporary sukkah and celebrating during the harvest reminds us that all blessings come from Hashem.
Q: What practical lesson can we learn from the mitzvah of Sukkot today?
A: The Talmud (Sukkah 28a) teaches that when we leave our permanent homes to dwell in the fragile sukkah, we demonstrate trust in Hashem's protection. This applies today by reminding us that material comforts are temporary, while spiritual connection is eternal. The mitzvah also emphasizes joy and sharing with others during the festival.
Q: Why does the verse specify 'seven days' for Sukkot?
A: The Midrash explains that the seven days correspond to the seven Clouds of Glory that surrounded and protected the Israelites in the wilderness. Additionally, the number seven represents completeness in Jewish tradition, symbolizing that Sukkot is a complete cycle of spiritual elevation and connection with Hashem.
Q: What is the significance of gathering grain and wine before Sukkot?
A: Rashi notes that this timing ensures people are free from agricultural work and can fully focus on the spiritual aspects of the holiday. The grain and wine represent material prosperity, and gathering them first teaches that we must acknowledge Hashem's blessings before celebrating. The Talmud (Berachot 35b) connects this to the idea of using physical sustenance for spiritual purposes.