In outlining the foundations of the Sukkah, we come across contradictions. For one thing, the Sukkah is meant to be "permanent," yet "transitory."

The Sukkah walls can be built from any material, as long as it is sturdy enough to stand up to the average wind. Hence, a sense of permanence. Yet, the branch covering is 'schach' a disorganized bramble of uprooted vegetation. Palm branches, bamboo sticks, corn stalks, or clippings from your front yard. Chaotic. Without tying the branches in an organized fashion, we throw the stuff over the top of the Sukkah (the beams holding up the schach must also be of natural origin such as wood) and let it form the "roof" if you can call it that. This roof (hah) must provide more shade than sunlight at the height of the day, yet allows us to see some stars at night.

Either way, Club Med or the Magic Fog, we thank G-d for sustaining us in the dreaded desert

Why do we sit in this "permanent, yet transitory" schizoid hut? There are several answers to this question, all valid. Read on to see which suits you most:

Divine Shelter in the Desert

When the Jews left Egypt and wandered in the desert. Their first encampment was in a place called (you got it...) Sukkot.

There are two perceptions of what happened in Sukkot. One opinion states that the Israelites dwelled in actual huts. Picture this - you are wandering in the hot desert, you look up in the distance, and there before you is G-d's Club Med, and best of all, free! Not a bad deal.

The other opinion states that "clouds of glory" surrounded the Jewish people. Neat. Either way, Club Med or the Magic Fog, we thank G-d for sustaining us in the dreaded desert.

So if this happened during the Exodus, why don't we sit in huts on Passover?

Ah! A good question. Based on this Sukkot encampment reason, that would seem to be the perfect time. There are two answers: First, as the story unfolds, things didn't work out well. The "clouds of glory" that surrounded the Israelites were removed after the Sin of the Golden Calf. The Israelites repented, and G-d forgave them on Yom Kippur, perfect timing! The "clouds of glory" were reinstalled 5 days later on Sukkot.

The other reason we sit in huts in the fall is to show that we are doing it to fulfill the commandment - not for mere convenience. Passover is in the Spring. Who wouldn't want to sit out on the patio at such a nice time of year? No problem, with pleasure. But in the colder fall, it is less pleasant (in parts of the world it is almost winter) If we go out and sit in the Sukkah despite the elements, we must be doing it for the sake of the Mitzvah.

The Sukkah erases the rankings of wealth. Everyone dwells in a Sukkah, rich or poor. The rich man must leave behind his fancy mansion to camp out in a humble shack at the grace of the elements. It teaches the rich that physical possessions are not as permanent as they seem, and that we are not always in control.

To the poor, the Sukkah demonstrates that just as our forefathers were sustained in the barren desert, so can we have confidence that G-d will provide. During Sukkot, the poor and the rich are really all in the same boat (Sukkah, that is).

Existentialism at Its Best

Humans have a tendency to think that we are in complete control. We KNOW in our minds that is not so, but we act as if our fate and that of the world are in our hands.

Leaving our permanent house for a temporary abode shows that we are mutable

This idea comprises the Biblical book, Ecclesiastes (Kohelet) read on Sukkot. King Solomon (the author) opens by saying: "Vanity of Vanity, all is vain. What profit has a man of all his work wherein he labors under the sun?" At the end, King Solomon sums up by saying, "Finally when all is said and done: Fear God, and keep his laws, for that is the duty of Man."

The wisest and one of the richest men of all time, King Solomon discovered that G-d is the only stable force in the world, not his possessions or labor. We certainly drive this point home with the Sukkah.

The Nature Thing

So there are several reasons why we go into semi-flimsy huts for the week. As the holiday falls after the time of the main harvest, we also celebrate the bounty by being outside and closer to nature.

Whatever reason for Sukkah makes you comfortable, don't forget that with all this, we must be happy. Can you force an emotion? Obviously not. But it is a matter of cause and effect: If we really get into the Sukkah thing, putting aside the cares and worries that surround our regular routine, a feeling of peace, happiness and contentment will enter your realm.

Reprinted with permission from www.jewish-holiday.com.