Sukkot is a time of pure joy. Our prayers of being written in the Book of Life for a good year have been expressed (Rosh Hashanah). Our requests for G-d’s mercy and forgiveness in response to our wrongdoings were deposited on Yom Kippur. Now, during Sukkot, we are filled with hope that we have been sealed for a good year.

Sukkot is a time to recall that which is meaningful in our lives. While we dwell in the sukkah to remind us of the time we spent in the desert, it is also a holiday of leaving behind the luxuries we are accustomed to and focusing on the essentials.

During the days of Sukkot, we invite friends to join us in the sukkah for meals. Ushpizin, or guests, are an important part of this festival’s experience. But, there are other guests we welcome into our 3-walled huts. Each night, we receive a group of spiritual ancestors who “take turns leading the meal” into its deeper symbolic meaning.

Our leaders from long ago continue to provide us with lessons of leadership, faith, and perseverance. Abraham, for example, was known for his hospitality (Chesed/Loving-Kindness) and it is fitting that he “leads” the very first meal of our Sukkot celebration. Abraham has much to teach about leadership. He left his family and his home because of his faith and trust in G-d. Sometimes, leadership requires our willingness to be pioneers, to hold deep convictions, and to stand up for what we believe in.

On the second night, we are blessed with the lessons of Isaac. Isaac’s life represents strength or Gevurah. As an adult, he shows his might as he is about to be offered as a sacrifice to G-d. Our sages tell us that Isaac knew he was to be offered as a sacrifice. After all, it was easy to see that his father had neglected to bring a lamb and Abraham would not be so forgetful. Isaac’s own commitment to G-d allowed him the strength to be willing to carry out whatever G-d had decreed. Likewise, today – we must often muster up the strength to face the adversities that fall upon us. We must trust that our diligent work and commitment will yield positive end results.

Our next “lead” visitor is Jacob and his is a lesson of beauty or Tiferet. The truth found in beauty is actually the reconciliation of loving-kindness (Abraham) and justice (Isaac). It is interesting that Jacob – who came out of the womb tugging on the heal of his brother, Esau and who bought Esau’s birthright as the firstborn and received the blessing intended for Esau from his father – is persuaded by his mother to use deception in order to arrive at a harmonious conclusion. Jacob’s message is one of harmony that comes only from balancing the opposites that exist in life.

Moses led our people to the eternal covenant with G-d and, from him, we learn of Netzach or endurance. As Moses, continuously led the Jewish people through the desert and through their own doubts, his strengths carried us through. Often times, our goals cannot be achieved without patience, perseverance and fortitude.

Aharon, the brother of Moses, is the representative of glory, Hod. A true leader is able to put him or herself aside to do what is best for the community. Aaron’s intention when creating the golden calf was not to replace G-d but to replace the Pharaoh-like perception of Moses’ leadership. He was aware that the golden calf would relinquish his chance to enter the Land of Israel, but it was more important that he prevented the people from committing acts far more severe than the golden calf.

When Joseph comes to reign at our table, he brings Yesod or foundation. Yesod is what connects the physical and spiritual worlds. Joseph is able to overcome the death his brothers left him to in a pit in the desert; he survives the prisons of Pharaoh and arises to become one of Pharaoh’s advisors; he brings Jacob and his brothers – the Children of Israel – out of famine and into the land of Goshen. Without Yesod and his connection to G-d, Joseph would have experienced a different fate – in the pit in the desert, in the cell of Pharaoh’s jail and when reuniting with his brothers and father.

Finally, we hear from King David, representing dignity or Malchut. Perhaps better translated as kingdom, King David returned dignity to our people when he stood up to Goliath and triumphed over him in the name of G-d. Our charge here on earth is to finish the creation of G-d’s world. Every day, we work to perfect another imperfection and create “Heaven on Earth”. Leadership is a continuous process of reassessment, change, and progress – always reaching for perfection.

Our Ushpizin or guests in the sukkah all demonstrate the preservation of faith despite adverse circumstances. The imperfection that exists even in our greatest leaders (making them more real), along with the realization that we can mimic their strengths and abilities, are motivation for carrying on G-d’s task of perfecting the world.

Let this Sukkot be more than a meal in the sukkah. Let it be our final motivation to do better this year and create a better world.