Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses a dispute between Rabbah and Rav Zeira as to why a Succah whose schach is higher than 20 amos is not kosher.
Rabbah says: In a sukka up to twenty cubits high, even without a concerted effort, a person is aware that he is residing in a sukka. His eye catches sight of the roofing. However, in a sukka that is more than twenty cubits high, a person is not aware that he is residing in a sukka because his eye does not involuntarily catch sight of the roof.
Rav Zeira says: In a sukka up to twenty cubits high, a person is sitting in the shade of the sukka, i.e., the shade of the roofing; in a sukka that is more than twenty cubits high, a person is not sitting in the shade of the roofing of the sukka but rather in the shade of the walls of the sukka, as their considerable height provides constant shade, rendering the shade of the roofing irrelevant.
Mei HaShiloach (Vol. 1, Likkutei HaShas Succah 2) offers a metaphysical background to this machlokes. According to Rabbah, one must see God’s Providence by looking upward toward Heaven, i.e. miraculous phenomena. But according to Rav Zeira, one must see God’s Providence in mundane matters as well. That is, by dwelling in the Succah, one can sense God without even having to “look up”.
We still must try to understand then, what is Rabbah’s position. How could Rabbah not agree with Rav Zeira? Should we not be looking for God’s Providence in natural phenomena?
A careful reading of the Mei HaShiloach gives a different picture. It’s not that Rabbah is saying one shouldn’t see God’s Providence in mundane matters. Instead it’s about what should be the focus or mindfulness in life. In other words, Rabbah is saying one’s mind should be on heavenly lofty matters as a way to be close to God, while Rav Zeira is saying one should be close to God by looking at mundane matters, and finding God there as well. In this way, we are dealing with an authentic theological argument, which has been debated in different ways throughout history. That is, what is the best way to live in the world and be close to God at the same time. Is it through lofty thoughts or via everyday thoughts? Do we live in this world thinking about and being attached to God, or do we live in Heaven, attached to God, while thinking a bit about this world?
Translations Courtesy of Sefaria, except when, sometimes, I disagree with the translation 
Do you like what you see? Please subscribe and also forward any articles you enjoy to your friends, (enemies too, why not?)