Sukkot, Succos: However you spell it, just smile

The solemnity of the Yamim Nora'im, the High Holidays, now turns to Z’man Simchatei'nu, the season of joy. This joy is reflected in several literary suggestions for the next two weeks. 

Rabbi Mordechai Fachler, zt"l, was a distinguished and well loved rabbi who, in a brief career, held positions in England and South Africa. In a compilation of speeches and essays themed to Tishrei entitled, "Conceptions and Perceptions of the High Holidays" (Renana Publishers, 2015), we find a selected compilation of the rabbi's finest teachings and eloquent drashot assembled by his devoted son, David Fachler.

These essays, each serious in tone, are themed to all of the holidays of this season. Given the timing of this review, I bring to your attention his essays dealing with Sukkot and Shemini Atzeret. Consider the following sample of his teachings:

"The symbolism represented by the sukkah and by the lulav are internal symbolisms which require concentration and contemplation. They are not obvious external signs of joy. For Sukkot also has this internal aspect which is characterized by Isaac and his trait of introspection. Thus, while we continue to enjoy the external aesthetic beauty of the sukkah and the four species, we can also use Sukkot as time to improve our private, beautiful service of G-d, and draw closer to Him."

Beis Hakenesses of North Woodmere recently published the third volume in its "Ohr HaTzafon" series of essays by local scholars under the guidance and leadership of Rabbi Aryeh Leibowitz, with essays from Rabbi Chesky Gewirtz, Rabbi Yehuda Taragin, and Rabbi Yossi Schwartz.