G-d wants to hug you

There are a few satisfying things in the world like a wholesome relationship.

The problem is that, too often, relationships are not wholesome. People might be in relationships with us because they like only part of us – our looks, money, talents – but not the whole of us.

But when we find someone who wants to be connected to the whole of us, we are fortunate.

And fortunate we are!

We are just about to celebrate the Sukkot holiday when G-d tells us that He loves all of us and the whole of us.

Kabbalistic teachings explain that the Sukkah represents a divine hug. Just like the hugging arms include three sections, the upper arm, forearm, and hand, a Sukkah also consists of a minimum of three walls.

On Sukkot, G-d gives us a big hug.

Why a hug? Why not a kiss?

A kiss is usually given on the face, and a hug embraces the back. The face is expressive and able to show back love; the back is silent and unable to reciprocate.

Certain aspects of our lives are holy and reflect G-d’s love: during prayer, studying in the Torah, or performing a Mitzvah. Other times, we’re busy addressing our worldly needs, and it might seem that we’re distanced from the G-d.

When G-d hugs us on Sukkot, He doesn’t only hug our “face”, He hugs our back, too. The areas in our lives that seem unconnected to holiness are also precious to Him.

Isn’t that awesome?

Sukkot is considered a very joyous holiday. This may be why: on this holiday, we literally feel that G-d has our backs!