(2007/5768)
Shabbat Chol HaMoed Sukkot is one of the most joyous days on the Jewish calendar. It combines the joy of Sukkot with the pleasure of Shabbat. Throughout the year, the Haftarah is selected to reflect or highlight a major theme of the day. Why, then, is the Haftarah for Shabbat Chol HaMoed Sukkot from Yechezkeil Chapter s 38-39?
In the Shabbat Chol HaMoed Haftarah, Yechezkeil describes his vision of the final human assault against God’s sovereignty over the world. Gog and his followers are of the belief that they can control their security and destiny. This challenge to God’s sovereignty will not go unanswered. Yechezkeil goes on to describe in detail how God will raise the forces of nature to crush Gog and his followers, handing them a devastating defeat. The defeat will prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that God truly is in control of the world and its inhabitants, “VeEt Sheim Kodshi Odia BeToch Ami Yisrael VeLo Acheil Et Sheim Kodshi Od VeYadoo HaGoyim Ki Ani Hashem Kadosh BeYisrael,” “And I will make My holy Name recognized in the midst of My people Israel and I will not allow My holy Name to be profaned any more, and the nations will recognize that I God am holy in Israel” (Yechezkeil 39:7).
This display of God’s might will herald the beginning of a new era when the inhabitants of the world will understand and accept with certainty that God is the ruler of the world.
Strengthening the connection between the Haftarah and the themes of Sukkot, Rav Hirsch focuses on the unique name that Yechezkeil has for the general in this battle against God. “Gog” (Gimmel Vav Gimmel) is connected to Gag, the Hebrew word for roof. Rav Hirsch explains, “It does not seem far-fetched to recognize in this name the idea of building a Gag.” Using this connection Rav Hirsch suggests that we rename the Haftarah. Rav Hirsch suggests that it should be called the battle of the forces of Gag, roof, against the forces of Sukkah. It is the greatest match-up in history. A fortified, insulated roof with new shingles against a flimsy shanty with some twigs on top. This is a struggle of ideas, symbols, and philosophy. Human beings build walls to protect themselves from the attacks of their neighbors. Similarly, they build strong roofs to provide protection from the elements. By building these mini fortresses, they convince themselves that their safety, security, and well-being are completely in their own hands. They convince themselves, as Gog did, that they are in control of their own destiny. There is only one factor which they neglect to recognize. Hashem is ultimately the one who determines how safe their stronghold will be. The Haftarah of Shabbat Chol HaMoed shows us how the feelings of false confidence eventually will be undone. Ultimately, all will be forced to acknowledge God’s control and sovereignty over the world. As we leave the safety, security, warmth, and comfort of our homes and head out to the Sukkah, we remind ourselves that ultimately, it is not the Gag that protects us; it is the protection provided to us by Hashem.