Chol Hamoed Sukkot (2025)

Shabbat Chol Hamoed Sukkot

Dvar Torah
On the Shabbat of Sukkot, we read the Scroll of Ecclesiastes (Kohelet), which explores the perpetual question of the purpose of human existence. Again and again, the author wrestles with this question, contradicting himself and often concluding that “all is futile” — that what was will be, and there is nothing new under the sun. The book is so perplexing that the Talmud (Shabbat 30b) relates how the sages even considered excluding it from the biblical canon, but that its saving grace lies in its ending:

“The sum of the matter, when all has been considered: Fear God and keep His commandments, for that is man’s whole duty.” (12:13)

In Chapter 3, the author reflects that “there is a time for everything” — a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time for war and a time for peace. Yet, true to the spirit of Ecclesiastes, even when we know there is a time and place for all things, we so easily misread the moment. Two years ago, we believed we were in a time of peace, only to find ourselves thrust into a brutal war. Just days ago, we thought we were in a time of war — and now we wait with bated breath, hoping for the return of the hostages and a fragile peace.

In this moment of uncertainty, confusion, and hope, Ecclesiastes offers a timeless message: we are meant to think, to reflect, and to plan — indeed, it is part of our human duty. But at the end of the day, we must place our ultimate trust in God and walk in His ways.

May our prayers be answered, and may we soon be in a time to dance, a time to build, and a time of peace.

Shabbat in/out times
Yerushalayim 17:37/18:48
Kfar Azza 17:47/18:51
Paris 18:52/19:55
NYC 18:04/19:03

Shabbat Shalom!

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