5757/1996
Two weeks ago, we celebrated Rosh Hashana, which is the commemoration of Briat Ha'olam. Ten days later, we celebrated Yom Kippur in which we fast and pray and hope that Hashem will write us in the book of life and wipes our slates free. Four days after Yom Kippur, we celebrate Succot, where we sit in huts and shake the Lulav and Etrog. What is the connection between Succot and the two previously holidays of Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur?
It is suggested by Rav Yaakov Ettlinger that Yom Kippur represents תשובה מיראה - repentance motivated by fear. Succot, on the other hand, is time for מאהבה תשובה- repentance motivated by love. During Succot, we reenter God's world and draw closer to Hashem through our perception of nature. May Hashem give us a beautiful Succot to have the opportunity to draw close to Hashem and do מאהבה תשובה.