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This coming Shabbat coincides with the first day of the joyous festival of Sukkot. As such, it does not have its own Torah portion like other weeks. It is simply the Shabbat of Sukkot. So, Instead of reading from the usual cycle of Torah readings in their proper order, we take a break from this, and instead read a section of Torah which pertains specifically to the observance of Sukkot.
This does not make Shabbat any less significant. On the contrary, this particular Shabbat carries with it an extra level of holiness and joy. A Shabbat like this which falls during Sukkot contains a higher level of sanctity and happiness than do other weeks because there is a special joy of the festival which is added. The extreme joyousness of Sukkot merges with the weekly excitement of Shabbat to form a day of ultra happiness. This is reflected in our prayers of the day as well, as we sing many prayers and songs of Shabbat, in addition to the unique prayers which we recite for sukkot.
Neither occasion, Shabbat nor Sukkot, supersedes the other. Instead, the two are perfectly balanced and each is celebrated, simultaneously, to its fullest extent. There is even an Ashkenazi custom of preparing two kugels on this unusual day, one for Shabbat and the other for Sukkot. Two kugels, two challahs, and maybe even two main dishes as well!
So, let's enjoy ourselves! Why not have two kugels? Remember what the great legend of baseball Ernie Banks once said? "It's a beautiful day, let's play two!"
Well, it's both Shabbat and Sukkot, so let's EAT two - kugels, that is. Shabbat shalom, Chag Sameach, and Happy Sukkot!
Cantor Zachary Konigsberg
[email protected]
917-696-0749
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