Psycho-Spiritual Insights: Exploring Parasha and Psychology

As Yom Kippur comes to a close, we are quickly ushered into the Chag of Sukkot. There is a mitzvah to rejoice on all of the holidays, yet there is special emphasis on being joyful during Sukkot. The Yalkut Shimoni highlights that the Torah commands us to rejoice on Sukkot three times (as opposed to Shavuot, when we are commanded once, and Pesach, when we are not explicitly commanded to rejoice). Furthermore, in our holiday prayers, each holiday is given its own descriptive name with Sukkot being referred to as ‘Zaman Simchateynu’ – Season of Happiness.

Happiness, as understood in contemporary psychology, is not merely the absence of sadness but a state of well-being characterized by positive emotions, engagement, meaningful relationships, a sense of accomplishment, and purpose in life. Sukkot provides a beautiful metaphor for understanding the facets of happiness.

In Parashat Re’eh, Sukkot is characterized with the phrase “Vesamachta bechaggecha…vehayita ach sameach” -  “You shall rejoice in your festival…and you shall have nothing but joy. (Deuteronomy 16:14-15).” The idea that one is obligated to be in a state of happiness may be a foreign concept to some, as the Torah is imposing an emotional state often uncontrollable by many people.

Sukkot is the time of the harvest when produce from the fields are gathered, which the Torah directly indicates is the reason for increases our joy. On a deeper level, Sukkot is the time for us to reap the fruits of the labor we input cultivating our relationship with Hashem and those around us creating ‘Simcha – Happiness’. Rabbeinu Bechaye, in Kad HaKemach, discusses the idea of ‘Simcha’ in depth, writing that the frame of mind in which we perform a mitzvah is more significant than the performance of the mitzvah itself. This means that happiness must not only be an integral part of our emotional journey but our spiritual one as well.

Here are some aspects of Sukkot that can help us harvest joy for the future:

Impermanence and Gratitude:

The sukkah symbolizes the impermanence of life and possessions. In psychology, the practice of appreciating the impermanent nature of things fosters gratitude. Gratitude is a powerful positive emotion associated with increased happiness and well-being. When we realize that our material possessions are transient, we are more likely to appreciate them and express gratitude for what we have.

Connection and Community:

Sukkot is a festival that encourages communal participation. It is a time when families and friends come together to celebrate, eat, and dwell in the sukkah. Studies consistently show that strong social connections and community involvement are key factors in achieving happiness. The sense of belonging, support, and camaraderie experienced in the sukkah mirrors the happiness derived from strong social bonds.

Mindfulness and Presence:

The focus on the Arba Minim encourages us to be present in the moment when we hold and shake them. Mindfulness involves being fully engaged in the present experience. The simple act of focusing on our Arba Minim prompts us to practice mindfulness, which is linked to increased happiness and decreased stress.

Simplicity and Contentment:

The sukkah's modest structure reminds us of the value of simplicity. Research indicates that a simpler lifestyle, focusing on essential needs and experiences rather than excessive materialism, can lead to greater contentment and happiness. During Sukkot, we are reminded of the joy that can be found in the simple pleasures of life.

Transcendence and Spirituality:

Sukkot is a time of spiritual reflection and connection by stepping away from daily work. Spirituality and a sense of purpose beyond oneself are recognized in psychology as fundamental components of happiness and life satisfaction. The act of focusing on our connection with Hashem invites us to reflect on our purpose, values, and connection to a higher meaning, fostering a sense of transcendence.

The happiest people don't have the best of everything, they make the best of everything. The Ibn Ezra writes on the passukim above (Deuteronomy 16:14-15) that there is a commandment to be joyful on Sukkot and that by doing so Hashem will bless you with future happiness. Incorporating these psychological concepts into our understanding of Sukkot enriches our appreciation of this festive time and deepens our understanding of the pursuit of happiness. By embracing impermanence, fostering connections, practicing mindfulness, simplifying our lives, and nurturing spirituality, we can cultivate a sense of joy and contentment that extends far beyond Sukkot. May we enjoy a holiday leading to continued happiness all year long.