Yechiel Michel Epstein

“ Rabbi Akiva is of the opinion that a Sukkah is not a sensible metaphor for the clouds of glory. One cannot make a replica of the clouds, and one does not derive a law from a source that is not part of the natural order or is otherwise impossible conceptually. ”

“ The momentous event commemorated by the Sukkos was the outstanding behavior of the Jewish People in the desert, that they willingly traveled - men, women, and children, tens of thousands - in a place where it is not in the nature of people to dwell. ”

“ It is a testimony to the existence of the Creator, who created all according to His will and who has the power, control, and ability to direct all that happens on high and in the lower world, to do with them as He wills, as he had done with us when he brought us forth form Egypt with signs and wonders. Sukkos specifically relates to the clouds of glory, with which they were surrounded, protecting them from the elements. ”