Sukkot, Universalism, and Particularism: "Feast of Tabernacles"

Rabbi Soloveichik compares Herman Wouk's return to Jewish observance during World War II alongside Moritz Daniel Oppenheim's choice to paint scenes of Jewish religious life at the height of his artistic acclaim. Focusing on Oppenheim's Sukkot painting, "Feast of Tabernacles," he explains how the painting symbolizes a hopeful balance between faith and modernity. Oppeneheim's country would ultimately betray that hope, but the eventual execution of some Nazi leaders on Sukkot suggests a deeper divine message.