The Gemara (Sukkah 26a) derives from the pasukin Parshas Emor (Vayikra 23:42), בַּסֻכֹּת תֵּשְׁבוּ – (For a seven-day period you shall live in booths) that a person should dwell in his sukkah for the seven days of Yom Tov just as one dwells in his house all year. However, the Satmar Rebbe writes that it goes both ways. A person must always remember to dwell in his house with the same kedushah, the same holiness and respectful attitude that he has while living in his sukkah. Just as he dwells in the sukkah, the shelter of faith for seven days, he must incorporate faith and Emunah (belief) in his home throughout the year.
Due to the tremendous distraction of countless people knocking on his door day and night, seeking all sorts of spiritual guidance and important needs, one day, Rav Pinchas of Koritz prayed to Hashem that he should become unpopular. In his mind, that would be the solution; people would no longer disturb him, and he would be free to serve Hashem with all his energy and undivided attention. Indeed, it would seem that his wish had come true because, after that time, Rav Pinchas was never seen in the company of another individual. He lived in the most austere fashion and secluded himself for lone communion with Hashem.
When the Yom Tov of Sukkos approached, Rav Pinchos was not able to find a Jew to help him build his sukkah and had no choice but to ask a gentile to build it. Likewise, after davening the first night of Yom Tov, Rav Pinchas asked many people to be his guests but not a single person would accept his invitation. Rav Pinchas walked home alone. As he arrived home, he began to recite the tefillah (prayer) upon entering the sukkah, followed by the traditional invitation to the first of the Ushpizin (guests) which is Avraham Avinu. Just then, Rav Pinchos looked up and saw an old man standing just outside the door of the sukkah. The old man, however, whom Rav Pinchas instantly recognized to be Avraham Avinu, would not step foot into the sukkah. Rav Pinchas tried to convince him to enter but to no avail. Distressed, Rav Pinchas turned to Avraham and asked in anguish, “Why do you not enter my sukkah? What is my sin?” Avraham looked at Rav Pinchas and said, “It is not my custom to enter a place where there is no Hachnosas Orchim (hospitality).” Rav Pinchas Koritz now understood his mistake and from that day forward, he sincerely prayed to Hashem that he be restored in the eyes of his townspeople to his former situation. Indeed, he was once again able to find favor in the eyes of men and he became popular again. (From the Torah Tavlin)
