Chol HaMoed Sukkot is a unique period bridging the holiness of the first day of the holiday with the activities of the weekday. The Zohar (Emor) teaches that the Sukkah is a “צלא דמהימנותא”—a “shade of faith”—drawing Light of protection from the upper worlds. During Chol HaMoed, the Light of the seven days continues to flow, allowing us to dwell under the wings of the Shechinah even as we engage in our daily affairs. Every moment spent in the Sukkah connects us to the Sefira of Binah, the source of Light and mercy, which channels life and blessing into all worlds.

Kabbalists explain that the Sukkah embodies the spiritual structure of the upper worlds—its four walls correspond to the four letters of the Holy Name (YHVH), while the סכך (sechach, the ‘roof’ of the Sukkah) above us symbolizes the encompassing surrounding Light (Or Makif), that purifies and elevates. Each day of Chol HaMoed, a different Ushpizin—spiritual guest—enters the Sukkah, representing one of the seven lower sefirot (Chessed through Malchut). The Zohar (Vayikra) reveals that by welcoming them with joy and reciting the verses of hospitality, we open channels of divine blessing not only for ourselves but for the entire world.

In the teachings of the Holy Ari, Chol HaMoed is a time of sweetening judgments through joy and unity. By maintaining the sanctity of our speech, eating in holiness, and rejoicing within the Sukkah, we participate in the tikkun (rectification) of Malchut, preparing it to receive the final influx of Light on Hoshana Rabbah, the culmination of Sukkot. Thus, Chol HaMoed is not merely a respite but a spiritual workshop—each meal, each word of Torah study, and each moment of joy contributes to the unfolding of divine harmony and blessing in the world.

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