We often trace them back to the Torah, to Moses at Sinai. But what if some of those traditions, the feel of them, actually predate the Torah itself? to the Book of Jubilees, a fascinating text that retells the stories of Genesis and Exodus with a unique perspective. It's considered apocryphal by some, meaning it's not included in the canonical Hebrew Bible, but it offers a rich, detailed expansion of biblical narratives and was highly influential in certain Jewish circles.
Chapter 16 gives us a glimpse into the life of Abraham, specifically focusing on his joy and gratitude after being delivered from a perilous situation. It tells us, "And he built there an altar to the Lord who had delivered him, and who was making him rejoice in the land of his sojourning." Abraham wasn't just relieved, he was overflowing with thankfulness. And how did he express it? Through celebration!
The text continues, "and he celebrated a festival of joy in this month seven days, near the altar which he had built at the Well of the Oath. And he built booths for himself and for his servants on this festival."
Did you catch that? Booths! The Book of Jubilees claims that Abraham was "the first to celebrate the feast of tabernacles on the earth."
Think about Sukkot, the Feast of Tabernacles. We build these temporary dwellings, sukkot (singular: sukkah), to remember the Israelites' wandering in the desert after the Exodus. But here, the Book of Jubilees suggests a different origin, a more personal one: Abraham building booths to celebrate God's deliverance in his own life.
It adds a layer of depth to the holiday, doesn't it? It's not just about remembering a historical event, but about recognizing God's presence and protection in our own lives, just as Abraham did.
And what else did Abraham do during this seven-day festival? "During these seven days he brought each day to the altar a burnt-offering to the Lord, two oxen, two rams, seven sheep, one he-goat, for a sin-offering, that he might atone thereby for himself and for his seed." That’s quite a sacrifice! It signifies a complete offering, a desire for atonement, and a deep connection to the divine.
So, what are we left with? A picture of Abraham, not just as a patriarch, but as a man deeply moved by God's grace. He expresses this gratitude through building, feasting, and offering sacrifices. He creates a moment of joy, a celebration of deliverance. And, according to the Book of Jubilees, he becomes the originator of a tradition that continues to resonate with us today – the joy and gratitude of Sukkot.
Next time you're sitting in your sukkah, maybe think about Abraham, the first one to build a booth, celebrating God's presence in his life. It might just give you a whole new appreciation for the holiday.