עברית
Faith
Why Do We Say 'The Fallen Sukkah of David'?
Question
Hello, in the Yom Kippur prayer and also in the grace after meals during Sukkot, we mention "the fallen sukkah of David." I would appreciate it if the Rabbi could explain this concept, and additionally, why is it called the fallen sukkah of David? Thank you in advance, Ilan
Answer
Festivals for Joy,
It is stated in the book of Amos (Chapter 9, Verse 11), "On that day, I will raise up the fallen sukkah of David," referring to the monarchy of the House of David (see Tractate Sanhedrin, page 96b).
The Maharal of Prague explains in his book, *Netzach Yisrael* (Chapter 35), why the monarchy of the House of David is referred to as 'fallen.' Although a state of falling is undesirable, it holds an advantage over other states, because a state of falling is temporary; from it, one can rise and stand. In contrast, something that has been destroyed requires rebuilding. This is the essence of the House of David: it is true that it has fallen, but it has not been destroyed; this means it exists in its entirety, only that during the exile it is in a state of falling. Therefore, when the time of redemption arrives, it will not need to be rebuilt but simply to be raised up and established.
That is why it says, "On that day, I will raise up the fallen sukkah of David," "the sukkah of David" and not "the house of David," because a sukkah can fall and be reestablished, whereas a house that is destroyed cannot.
With blessings,
Hillel Meirs
