An ordinary meal. A holy moment.

Hi friends!

There is a lovely surprise in the mitzvah of sukkah: sitting down to an ordinary meal can itself be part of something holy.

The chachamim teach תֵּשְׁבוּ כְּעֵין תָּדוּרוּ—dwell in the sukkah as you dwell at home. They describe eating, drinking, relaxing and learning there. The life you usually think of as ordinary becomes the very place where you fulfill a mitzvah.

The Baal Shem Tov, drawing on the Arizal, opens another depth in this ordinary act. When we make a brachah over kosher food with attention, we awaken its Divine vitality: וזה החיות הוא מזון הנשמה—this vitality is nourishment for the neshamah.

The food Hashem gives you can nourish your body and your neshamah. A brachah becomes a moment of receiving from Him, with awareness of the life He is giving you. And in the sukkah, that simple meal takes place within the embrace of a mitzvah.

What a different way to experience your day. You can receive your food from Hashem with gratitude and bring warmth to the person sitting beside you. Your relationship with Him can enter the texture of the life you are already living.

At your next meal in the sukkah, pause and feel: “Hashem, I am here with You. Thank You for this food, this shelter, this moment of closeness.”

How could you bring the next ordinary moment into your bond with Hashem? There is holiness to uncover in the life in front of you.

Wishing you a warm and joyful Chol HaMoed.

With love and blessings,
Rabbi Rachamim Bitton

Explore the free resource library · Join the Lev Emunah WhatsApp reflections · Dedications