Embrace Diversity
Diversity is woven into the very fabric of the universe. Every individual possesses a unique fingerprint; no two zebra stripes are identical, and even two snowflakes drifting side by side are truly distinct.
As succinctly stated in the Talmud, "No two minds are alike, [just as] no two faces are alike (Berachot 58a)."
Simultaneously, as we embrace diversity within both people and creation, we acknowledge the indispensable roles each of us plays in fulfilling the purpose of creation. Similar to a musician in a symphony or a sports player on a team, each individual serves a unique purpose. We unite not in spite of our differences but because we recognize how our uniqueness complements one another.
The overarching theme of the Sukkot holiday is unity, as reflected in the Talmudic statement, "all of Israel is fit to sit in one Sukkah" (Sukkah 27b). While the High Holidays primarily focus on prayers and introspection, emphasizing the spiritual aspects of our lives, Sukkot is celebrated by highlighting and elevating the material aspects of our lives through rejoicing, dining and drinking in a Sukkah, and shaking the Lulav and Etrog. On Sukkot, we celebrate through seemingly mundane acts that everyone can perform simultaneously in a similar manner.
The theme of unity during Sukkot is further underscored by taking the four species mentioned in the Torah - the Etrog (citron), Lulav (date palm fronds), Hadasim (myrtle), and Aravot (willow), binding them together, reciting a blessing, and shaking them in all directions.
The Midrash explains how each of these species represents different types of people. Just as the Etrog has both taste and smell, symbolizing Torah and good deeds, Israel includes individuals with both qualities. Similarly, the Lulav, with taste but no smell, represents those with Torah knowledge but lacking good deeds. The myrtle, with smell but no taste, represents those with good deeds but no Torah. Finally, the willow, with neither smell nor taste, represents those without Torah or good deeds. The Holy One, blessed be He, instructs us to bind them all together, signifying unity and atonement.
The mitzvah of taking the Lulav and Etrog teaches us that no individual can find fulfillment unless they transcend themselves and join forces with others. Even the Etrog, symbolizing Torah study and Mitzvah observance, cannot fulfill its role on Sukkot unless held alongside the humble willow. Likewise, personal development, no matter how significant, cannot reach its full potential without the aid of others. The unity of our people as a whole is a crucial component of each individual's growth and progress.
During the High Holidays, we unite by transcending our usual selves and connecting with our G-dly essence, strengthening the common bond we share with G-d. At the soul level where no separation exists between man and G-d, distinctions between individuals vanish.
However, this unity has a drawback. Since it originates from a soul level far above our everyday thoughts, we may return to a sense of separation after the conclusion of the holidays. Sukkot teaches us to remain unified even while considering our individual identities. Although differences exist in our potential and its development, we stand united as one collective entity.
This elevated form of unity allows us to infuse our daily lives with the "spiritual high" we experience during this time, extending it throughout the year.
Therefore, Sukkot is an exceptionally joyous holiday. Joy stemming from external factors is short-lived and leaves us with a void until another cause for joy arises. However, joy rooted in our true essence enables us to forge meaningful relationships with G-d and those around us. Joy transcends all boundaries and enables genuine unity among us.
Regarding the future redemption, our Sages prophesied, "Then our mouths will be filled with laughter and our tongues with songs of praise; then they will say among the nations, 'The Lord has done great things with these' (Psalms)." Joy has the power to break through barriers, including those of exile. Furthermore, joy possesses the unique potential to bring about the Redemption. By contemplating the imminent arrival of Moshiach and the knowledge that perfect joy will one day envelop the world, we can experience a glimpse of that joy in the present.
