The Gemara (Succah 11b) cites a machlokes regarding what exactly it is that we are commemorating on Succos. R’ Eliezer says we are remembering the ananei hakavod [heavenly clouds of glory] in which Hashem enveloped us. While R’ Akiva says it means succos mamash [literal huts]. At first glance R’ Eliezer is more easily understood. The fact that Hashem protected us with the heavenly clouds is a reason to annually recall the neis [miracle]. But what’s so unique about real huts? What was the alternative? Camping under the stars?!
In the tefillah “Ribbono Shel Olam” many recite before taking out the sefer Torah on Yomim Nora’im we daven that Hashem grant us “parnosah tova v’chalkala, v’lechem le’echol, ubeged lilbosh” – “good sustenance, bread to eat and clothes to wear”. The obvious question is: Once we asked for parnosah tova isn't it superfluous to request bread? Parnosah should encompass that too?
I once saw a peshat and I'll elaborate: Imagine an extremely wealthy man on a luxury cruise. The ship capsizes and he is left stranded on an island. He may have lots of money in the bank, but right now he's struggling to put bread in his mouth. Hence, we daven that we never lack even the basics.
In a similar vein, we cannot thank Hashem enough, even for the roof over our heads. Thus, even succos mamash is a reason for celebration. So, as we enter the succah let's remind ourselves to thank Hashem for all that we have. Yes, even the basics. We must count our blessings and not take any of them for granted. We will then attain the level of simcha we need this zeman simchaseinu!
