Every Holyday is described in our liturgy by a specific term. Thus, Pesach is known as "Zman Cherutenu" or, the Season of the Giving of the Torah. Sukkot, the Holyday we shall soon observe, following as it does the High Holydays,
is known as “Zman Simchatenu", or, the Season of our Rejoicing. The word Simcha is popularly associated with a joyous occasion.

We go to a Simcha when we go to a wedding, a brit, a bar mitzvah or bat
mitzvah. For us, the word Simcha connotes a happy time. We do not think of a more somber side of its meaning. But, there is. For Simchot are not without pain or suffering. When the Scripture says, "Serve G-d with Joy" or "B'Simcha,"
it does not mean that one will always serve Hashem in happiness and gaiety. It does not say that Hashem's service is without pain or suffering. To live, to truly
experience life, involves suffering sometimes; and, the avoidance of pain or
suffering, to which we devote great effort, does not of itself lead to serving G-d with Simcha. If one's goal is only to avoid pain, then all that we do is survive. We do not necessarily live. Thus, when Scripture talks about Simcha, it carries the connotation that, even in difficult moments, in moments filled with anxiety and sometimes pain, we are to serve Hashem with faith and trust.

We are to serve Him understanding that whatever He sends our way, it is
with His all wise knowledge, concern and compassion. Hence, the Holyday of
Sukkot - “Zman Simchatenu," follows the High Holydays. We do not know what
Hashem has in store for us as we emerge from Yom Kippur. Cleansed of our sins, we still are anxious. But, we declare through deeds - the building of a Sukkah - and song, and Simcha (joy), that whatever will be, will be grasped as an opportunity to serve Him. It will be for us a “Zman Simchatenu" - a Season of Serving G-d with Joy.