Sukkot: More than 40 years in the Desert
As a kid in Hebrew school, the answer to the question "what is Sukkot?" was simple: A celebration and recognition of the 40 years when Israelites wandered the desert after being freed from slavery in Egypt, but before being led to Israel by Adonai. Sukkot is the plural form of Sukkah, which we learned meant something like "booth" in English. Therefore, we would set up a Sukkah and decorate it with S'chach before a service and subsequent feast. But was this festival really only celebrating the 40 years of wandering Israelites? Karen Armstrong would argue that there is more to the history of the celebrations than this.
This story begins with the consolidation of Adonai as a creator God for Israelites. Armstrong asserts that before King Solomon built the first temple on Mount Zion during his rule, there was sparse recognition in Adonai as a creator God (59). Rather, people seemed to worship Baal El Elyon. However, once Solomon dedicated his temple to Adonai, people began worshiping this new God in many of the same ways they worshiped Baal El Elyon (59). Following this, the people of Judah seemed to believe that Adonai had paved their path, but also protected them in a land of Shalom (peace) so that "the city could never fall" (60). Their beliefs led them to feast in a celebration over the agricultural success of the region. As Baal El Elyon maintained fertility in their land, so did Adonai (61). The celebration of Adonai's enthronement through the creation of the first temple seemed to be the first marker of a Sukkot feast (61). These rituals were significant in the development of a double meaning of Sukkot. Sukkot were certainly created by Israelites during their 40 years in the desert according to the Hebrew Bible, but Sukkot were also probably created by farmers during harvesting season. Therefore, the rituals were likely created to celebrate multiple aspects of ancient life, but ultimately Adonai's protection of His people. Additionally, it is notable that these rituals took place well before monotheism was firmly established for people in the region. While belief and recognition of Canaanite gods likely existed, the rituals provided a solid foundation for monotheism, as the protector and creator recognized in these rituals was Adonai, as mandated by King Solomon (62). These events were certainly significant for the people of Judah during their time, but have proven to be especially significant in the development of early Judaism and modern Judaism.
This story begins with the consolidation of Adonai as a creator God for Israelites. Armstrong asserts that before King Solomon built the first temple on Mount Zion during his rule, there was sparse recognition in Adonai as a creator God (59). Rather, people seemed to worship Baal El Elyon. However, once Solomon dedicated his temple to Adonai, people began worshiping this new God in many of the same ways they worshiped Baal El Elyon (59). Following this, the people of Judah seemed to believe that Adonai had paved their path, but also protected them in a land of Shalom (peace) so that "the city could never fall" (60). Their beliefs led them to feast in a celebration over the agricultural success of the region. As Baal El Elyon maintained fertility in their land, so did Adonai (61). The celebration of Adonai's enthronement through the creation of the first temple seemed to be the first marker of a Sukkot feast (61). These rituals were significant in the development of a double meaning of Sukkot. Sukkot were certainly created by Israelites during their 40 years in the desert according to the Hebrew Bible, but Sukkot were also probably created by farmers during harvesting season. Therefore, the rituals were likely created to celebrate multiple aspects of ancient life, but ultimately Adonai's protection of His people. Additionally, it is notable that these rituals took place well before monotheism was firmly established for people in the region. While belief and recognition of Canaanite gods likely existed, the rituals provided a solid foundation for monotheism, as the protector and creator recognized in these rituals was Adonai, as mandated by King Solomon (62). These events were certainly significant for the people of Judah during their time, but have proven to be especially significant in the development of early Judaism and modern Judaism.
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