🌅 Davar Lechem – Shevi’i 14, 6027 AA (Erev Sukkot)

Theme: The Dwelling of Joy – Preparing the Heart for Sukkot

Shalom, beloved family of YHVH, on this Erev Sukkot!

Key Scripture

“And you shall rejoice before YHVH your Elohim seven days... You shall dwell in booths seven days... so that your generations know that I made the children of Yisra’el dwell in booths when I brought them out of the land of Mitsrayim.”
— Wayyiqra (Leviticus) 23:40–43

🤲🏻 Opening Prayer

YHVH Eloheinu, Who tabernacles among His people, we open our hearts before You. Teach us to dwell in joy and simplicity, to find contentment under Your covering. Let this Sukkot begin within us - a dwelling not made with hands but sanctified by Your Ru’ach. Todah va Yadah for teaching us to rejoice in every season. Baruch YHVH.

📜 Message: The Dwelling of Joy

1. The Purpose of the Sukkah

The sukkah reminds us of YHVH’s faithfulness in the wilderness. Temporary walls, eternal Presence. Our security is not in structure but in His sheltering wings.

2.Joy Rooted in Gratitude

Sukkot commands joy because gratitude transforms dwelling into worship. Rejoicing is not an emotion; it is obedience. To rejoice before YHVH is to declare: “You are my portion.”

3. The Simplicity of His Presence

Under the fragile roof, we rediscover simplicity. The sukkah strips away luxury and restores intimacy. When all else is removed, His Presence remains - enough and abundant.

4. From Labor to Celebration

Sukkot closes the harvest season. It reminds us that labor finds meaning only in gratitude. Our fruits, our fields, our families - all belong to Him. We celebrate because He has completed the cycle.

5. The Temporary and the Eternal

The sukkah decays, but the covenant endures. Each branch that weaves its roof whispers: “This world passes, but YHVH’s faithfulness stands forever.”

6. Joy as a Witness

Our joy is testimony. In a world of fear, the rejoicing heart proclaims: “YHVH reigns!” A rejoicing believer becomes a living sukkah - a dwelling of light in a darkened land.

🔯 Mitzvot Focus

Mitzvah: To dwell in joy before YHVH during Sukkot, remembering His faithfulness and provision.

Supporting Command

“You shall rejoice in your festival... and you shall be altogether joyful.”
— Debarim (Deuteronomy) 16:14–15

🪔 Personal and Community Application

• Personally: Build your sukkah with joy, even if small - YHVH dwells where hearts rejoice.
• In the home: Let laughter and gratitude fill your table.
• Spiritually: Prepare the heart as His dwelling; rejoice because He reigns within you.

🤲🏻 Closing Prayer

YHVH Mekaddishenu, You set us apart to dwell in joy. May this Sukkot find us content in Your Presence, resting beneath Your shadow. Teach us to celebrate not because life is easy, but because You are faithful. Dwell in our midst, O Eternal King. Todah va Yadah, and Baruch YHVH forever.

Until tomorrow. Shalom and Chag Sameach Sukkot!