It is fascinating that we can read the weekly Torah portion and find some point that resonates most with us. This week’s Torah reading, that of Sukkot, poses no exception. In the portion we read on Sukkot, found in Leviticus 22:26-23:44, we initially come across G-d commanding his servant and messenger, Moses, to keep a newborn calf, goat or lamb with its mother during the animal’s first seven days of life. G-d then says that following this first week, a mother and her offspring cannot be killed on the same day.
We then transition into chapter 23 of Leviticus, in which G-d outlines the various holy days and obligations on the Jewish calendar, including Shabbat, Passover, the counting of the Omer, Shavuot, the blowing of the shofar and—you guessed it—Sukkot. Moreover, Moses is informed of holy days on which work is prohibited so that people have ample time to relax and reflect on the gifts and blessings of life. More importantly, days of rest offer the Jewish people the opportunity to pay tribute to G-d.
What struck me about this parsha, in particular, is that it begins by discussing the prohibition of killing a mother and her offspring in a single day and concludes with directions as to how to observe holidays. At first glance, the progression of the narrative does not seem to make sense. However, after looking beneath the text’s surface, we can understand that the compilation of this week’s Torah reading does follow properly. Throughout the whole portion, we learn various imperative morals. Refraining from killing a female animal and her offspring in a single day forces us to practice the invaluable trait of maintaining self-control. Observing holidays throughout the year reinforces the need for us to be mindful and appreciative of our time. In a world where it is believed that man is capable of achieving anything, days of rest call for us, as Jews, to reflect that, while we are capable of accomplishing a great deal, our abilities are derived from a higher power. Cognizance of G-d’s presence and blessings on earth reaffirm a sense of humility and respect among the Jewish people.
This Sukkot, we Bruins may find time to review this week’s didactic Torah portion and take a step back—amidst the haze of midterm season—to reflect on our lives, our interactions with others, and our goals. While reading the parsha may seem like a daunting and time-consuming task, a deeper analysis may just provide the sort of moral enlightenment we need.