Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur are meaningful days of reflection, judgment, elevation, and repentance. It makes sense that we celebrate one after the other. We spend many hours across both holidays davening alongside our families and community members, praying for our children, our family, our community, and Am Yisrael as a whole. The essence of Sukkot, however, is to recognize Hashem’s protection of Bnei Yisrael in the midbar for forty years. We could recognize His guiding hand at any point in the year. Why do so now? It may be difficult for us to realize, but this time of year is a time of uncertainty. Sukkot is celebrated at the time when the harvest from the previous year is gathered. which is also right before the rainy season begins. The lives and livelihood of our ancestors depended upon a plentiful rainy season, but at this point in the year, what was in store for them was still unknown. On a more relatable level, we just celebrated Yom Kippur, the day of judgment which determines what this year will hold for us, both as individuals and as a nation. However, we do not know what the judgment was for this coming year, and therefore we too are in a state of uncertainty. Then comes the holiday of Sukkot, which is a time for emuna – a holiday that helps us build our faith – and as a result, we have joy and simcha. We demonstrate this by leaving the comfort of our homes. We go outside, where we usually feel less protected, and dwell in sukkot for seven days. The goal of the sukkah, and the shade provided by the schach, is to create a feeling of protection, shelter, and security. On Sukkot we have faith that Hashem protects us and watches over us, just as He protected and sustained our ancestors in the wilderness for forty years. It is only natural that this would be a time to worry about our livelihood. We prayed for good things on Yom Kippur, but will our wishes be fulfilled? Sukkot is a celebration of our emuna that Hashem will protect us. It is, therefore, particularly appropriate to celebrate Sukkot just after Yom Kippur in order to strengthen our emuna that Hashem is looking out for us, is in control of everything in our lives, and will hopefully give us a year of health, success, and blessing. He is always there for us. We should feel confidence in His presence underneath the schach of our sukkah, and in return feel joy and simcha. Similarly, here at Maimonides we plan all summer long for the year to come – for every month, every week, and every event – but there are still uncertainties and, at times, challenges that we didn’t anticipate. That is when our emuna comes in, as well as our recognition that Hashem is always there for us and for our students. He is there during the challenging times and the good times. Our job as educators and parents is to inspire, guide, and encourage our children to persevere through the challenging moments, grow beyond their boundaries, recognize and appreciate the good times, and feel joy and simcha as a result. Wishing you a chag Sukkot sameach! | 
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