After the solemnity and serious mood of Yom Kippur, I genuinely welcome the relaxed and joyous nature of Succot.

The morning after Yom Kippur you'll find me in the backyard erecting our Succah. I handle the construction and Laura and the kids are responsible for putting up the beautiful decorations.

We like to hang all of the Jewish New Year cards that we received along the walls of the Succah, both for aesthetic reasons, as well as for religious reasons, because the cards form a visual reminder that the holiday is, in many ways, a continuation of the the High Holidays and its holy themes.

For the Miller family, Succot represents an opportunity to entertain friends and family members in a setting I would describe as Jewish Camping-Lite. We are able to catch up with people we were unable to see over the High Holidays, and we spend time eating and conversing in the beauty of the outdoors. From time to time well even sleep in the Succah, although I do admit it has been a while since Ive done that!

There is something very worldly about the Succah that I believe can appeal to all Jews, even those who may not be particularly observant. Everyone can relate to it -- it is fun and different and exciting.

There is also something very sacred about the Succah; it provides us with an opportunity to connect with our historical past.

According to the Talmud, the Succah symbolizes both the Clouds of Glory that escorted the Israelites during their sojourn in the desert, and the succot -- booths that the Israelites dwelt in during their 40-year journey.

According to the Sfat Emet, the mitzvah of Succah also helps us to yearn to follow after God faithfully, as our ancestors who departed from Egypt did. The mitzvah of Succah serves as a living memorial to the miracles of the Exodus.

When its all said and done, however, I think the Baal Shem Tov said it best when he declared, I love the mitzvah of Succah, for a man can enter it with his whole body -- even with the mud adhering to the soles of his boots!