Rabbi Howard Morrison

The origin of the circus and it being called "The greatest show on earth" is Talmudic in origin. During the days of Sukkot in Temple times, our ancestors celebrated 'Simchat Bait Ha'Shoevah-A water drawing festival." The Talmud vividly describes the great Sages celebrating as if they were circus performers, juggling torches lit with fire and other feats of great risk. The Talmud states, "One who has not seen the Water Drawing Festival has not seen real joy." In reality, these celebrations anticipated the rain season and prayers for a healthy rain in Israel.

The above description is just one of the reasons why Sukkot is called "Zman Simchatenu-The season of our joy." In addition, we rejoice in that we begin to perform new Mitzvot soon after Yom Kippur has ended. We are reminded of the concept, 
"Simcha Shel Mitzvah- The Joy of observing commandments."  Also, we celebrate the joy of gathering the Fall harvest bounty. The Torah associates the Hebrew word for joy more with Sukkot than any other festive occasion,  and much more.

As a day school student in my youth, regular classes were cancelled during one day of Chol Ha'Moed so that we could symbolically recreate the joy of Simchat Bait Ha'Shoevah. Even nowadays, I notice some synagogues and educational institutions doing the same.

I encourage us all to find our own way of experiencing a genuine spiritual joy during Sukkot, the greatest show on earth.

Chag Sameach,
Rabbi Howard Morrison