The Sukkah and Its Symbolism
Rabbi Eliezer says that the sukkah is meant to remind us of the real booths from the wilderness period. Rabbi Akiba (surprisingly) suggests that it reminds us of the clouds of glory. What is at the heart of this debate?
Prof. Rabbi Jeffrey L. Rubenstein
New York University
Prof. Rabbi Jeffrey L. Rubenstein is Skirball Professor of Talmud and Rabbinic Literature at New York University. He holds a Ph.D. from Columbia University and ordination from JTS. His books include, The History of Sukkot in the Second Temple and Rabbinic Periods; Talmudic Stories: Narrative Art, Composition and Culture; Rabbinic Stories; The Culture of the Babylonian Talmud; and Stories of the Babylonian Talmud.
Last Updated: November 10, 2026
Books by the Author
Talmudic Stories: Narrative Art, Composition, and Culture
Stories of the Babylonian Talmud
Creation and Composition: The Contribution of the Bavli Redactors (Stammaim) to the Aggada
The History of Sukkot in the Second Temple and Rabbinic Periods
The Land of Truth: Talmud Tales, Timeless Teachings
The Culture of the Babylonian Talmud
Amazon paid links
Articles by Author
