The Reason Why Succot is in Tishre

The Reason Why Succot is in Tishre Day: Tuesday Date: September 1, 2015 Parshat: Ki Tavo Yalkut Yosef: O"H 625 HaShem gave us the mitzvah of Succah to commemorate the Ananeh Hakavod, the protective clouds that surrounded us in the Midbar after we left Egypt. The Tur (Rabbi Yaakov ben Asher, apprx. 1269-1343) explains the reason why we fulfill this mitzvah during the month of Tishre and not during Nissan when we actually left Mitzrayim. He points out that during Nissan, which is in the spring, the weather starts becoming warmer and more pleasant. It is very common during that time for people to spend more time outside their homes. If we were to celebrate Succot in the spring, it wouldn't be obvious that we are in the Succah because HaShem commanded us to be. It would seem as though we are there to enjoy the beautiful weather. However, Tishre is usually much colder and most people prefer to stay indoors during this time of year. Therefore it is obvious that we are in the Succah only because that is what we were commanded to do. Many people start building the Succah immediately after Yom Kippur in order to go directly from one mitzvah to another. DSH is brought to you in memory of Rabbi Mordechai ben Daniel. Please visit us online at sephardichalacha.org