We have just completed an unprecedented Yamim Noraim season. Cold weather, tents, masks, and no ordinary company for any of the meals. Still, even among the throes of the virus, during these special holidays, there was a feeling of closeness that we had with Hashem. If we look ahead, ignoring the minor, uneventful holidays, we have at least a few months until any substantial holidays. It is therefore easy to feel slightly distant from Hashem as our connection somewhat dwindles. However, perhaps for this very reason, we also just began the Torah anew, and maybe we can use this beginning as a springboard for our everlasting connection to HaKadosh Baruch Hu. 

The Likutei Yam HaChachmah, by Rav Itchemayer Morgenstern, offers a fascinating piece on the first few words of our precious Torah. He says that “BeReishit Barah Elokim,” “In the beginning, Elokim created” (Genesis, 1:1) means that the world was the first thing ever created. Not the sun. Not the moon. Not our solar system nor any other solar system. Our Earth was the first-ever physical manifestation of God's infinite power. On Shemini Atzeret, Ashkenazic Jews read Megillat Kohelet which discusses the Even Shetia, the stone upon which the Aron was perched. Rashi writes that the entire earth was created from this stone and that this was the first thing ever created. Logically, it makes sense that the first-ever combination of spirituality and physicality would be used as a stand for the holy Aron. Moreover, it makes sense that the first-ever transition into another realm aside from the spiritual would be used to exalt His holy throne.

Yes, we might be feeling slightly disheartened with no major holidays on the horizon. Yes, we might be feeling alone and isolated. Yes, we're approaching a long lull without any gaps to re-connect to Hakadosh Baruch Hu. However, that is why “BeReishit Bara Elokim”. These words remind us that Hashem chose us to be the first planet, the first nation, and the first people in existence. Not the sun and not the moon; us. 

When building a Sukkah, after all of the materials have been used, begin placing the decorations or the canvas, but they alone are not enough for a Sukkah. The poles themselves are the most important part. We, the people are chosen to be the most important part. Yes, the Sukkah is not Kosher without the walls, and as humans, we need the sun, the moon, and stars, but they are not the most important players. So when we look ahead, at times when we might not have as much direct interaction with Hashem, we must not forget who we are. We are the physical manifestations of God's will, and therefore, we will never truly be distant from Hashem. Granted, we might not be dressed in the clothing of the Yamim Noraim anymore, but Hashem has never and will never distance Himself from us, regardless of whether or not any holidays are being celebrated.