Rambam's Understanding of Sukkot (Guide for the Perplexed, 3:43 ) The Rambam explains that the holiday of Sukkot is designed to achieve the goal of ששון ושמחה (happiness and joy), and for this reason, it must last for seven days, " כדי שיתפרסם הענין " (so the topic will become well-known and advertised) and make a lasting impact. The Timing and Mindsets (Cognition and Character Traits) The time of the holiday is explicitly set by the Torah during the gathering of the harvest, a period when people have peace of mind and are relieved from the most basic needs. This setting is ideal for imparting two crucial lessons: 1. Mindset (Cognition/Knowledge): Remembering Miracles: It is an opportunity to remember the miracles that happened to the Jewish people in the desert for the benefit of future generations. 2. Character Trait ( מדות - Humility and Gratitude): Remembering Humble Beginnings: A person, successful and at the "top of the world" while gathering their grain, must remember their earlier, humble beginnings and "bad days." Reason 1: Gratitude: To take the opportunity to thank the Creator who brought them to this success. Reason 2: Humility: To cultivate the trait of humility and prevent arrogance due to current success. The Act of Dwelling in the Sukkah To fully internalize this lesson, the Rambam emphasizes the physical act of leaving one's home and dwelling in the Sukkah: Living the Lesson: We sit in temporary booths, reminding ourselves that we were once desert wanderers and were in a "suffering state." The Sukkah as a Booth (Not necessarily 'Ananei Kavod'): The emphasis here is on the simple booths of desert wanderers, a more fundamental understanding of the commandment, rather than solely the "Clouds of Glory" ( 'Ananei Kavod ). The Transition: We remember that from those simple beginnings, God brought us to our beautiful homes. The Role of Zechut Avot (Merit of the Forefathers) The Rambam explains that the Jewish people merited to leave the simple booths and live in beautiful homes for two reasons: God's Kindness. The Promises Made to the Forefathers: Specifically, Avraham, Yitzchak, and Yaakov, who were perfect in their mindsets and character traits. This leads to a fundamental principle: Source of Blessing: All the good that God has given and will give is because of זכות אבות (the merit of our forefathers), who maintained the דרך השם (path of God) and performed acts of righteousness. This reinforces the lesson of humility, as our success is not solely due to our own current merit. Shemini Atzeret and the Arba Minim (Four Species) Shemini Atzeret: Since not all the requisite happiness can be fully achieved in the temporary Sukkah, the people come back into their homes to "finish off the happiness" on the concluding eighth day. Arba Minim : The four species indicate appreciation for the transition from the desert to the fertile land of Israel ( Eretz Yisrael ). The desert does not produce such fruits and beautiful plants, which require fertile, moist land. Choosing species for their nice smell and beautiful appearance allows us to appreciate the success of our crops, which further necessitates humility at this time. Modern Application The Rambam's outlook is highly practical and can be applied in modern times: Material Success: Just as farmers appreciate their crops, a modern person (e.g., selling shoes or handbags) can view their products and appreciate their year's success, which further inspires humility and gratitude. Personal Origins: The lesson extends beyond remembering the journey to Eretz Yisrael to remembering one's personal, family, or national origins. Anyone whose family immigrated can remember the humble beginnings and origins of their grandparents—the modest homes, apartment buildings, and origins—to appreciate their current success, become humbled and thankful, and remember the זכות אבות .