What is symbolized by the juxtaposition of Shmini Atzeret and Succot?
For seven days, we dwell in nature. By night, we gaze upwards at the stars, the grandeur of the Universe that we can see with our own unaided eyes. By day, we see the plants and creatures, the beauty of Nature.
Through these, we gain an awe and closeness to God.
However, relationship predicated merely on blind, unknowing awe is as flimsy and weak as the booth we are dwelling in.
Therefor, on the Eighth Day, the 22nd Day of the 7th Month, the Pi Day of God - symbolizing the exact and perfect truth of Mathematics, the Language with which God wrote the Universe - and the vehicle by which we can see the Face of God.
Thus, we take the flimsy awe of Succot and place within it the structure built of Math, creating a firm and sturdy relationship, not of slave and master, not just of child and parent - but student and teacher.
Thus, we take the flimsy awe of Succot and place within it the structure built of Math, creating a firm and sturdy relationship, not of slave and master, not just of child and parent - but student and teacher.
May all of humanity merit to dwell in the House of the Lord, learning Mathematics and Torah together all of our days.
