From the spiritual intensity of Yom Kippur, we tumble straight into Sukkot, moving straight into the physical, visceral experience of building the Sukkah and hopefully, spending time in it. I love the month of Tishrei festivals and this year, I appreciate it even more, knowing it will be my last with you.
After the intensity of the last ten days of repentance, this will literally be a refreshing shift, as we sit in the Sukkah with the wind on our faces, exposed to the elements. Strangest of all, we are required, commanded even, to be joyful. How we can insist on a feeling is intriguing – but that is what we are called to do. Joy isn’t fun or plain happiness; it’s a fuller sense of life.
This is the perfect time for us to offer a very special event, Restore, Renew, Recommit – an afternoon of new year intentions, creativity, health sessions and being together as we raise money for our memorial garden for Lesley Urbach and Lionel Lassman. This is the perfect way to do so.
I love it when our congregation puts on thoughtful and interesting events like this. It will reflect synagogue time and all that newness and reflection and yet here, it will be in a more creative setting with wine, tea and cake, movement and learning and relaxing together. Do come – we can fit a few more in on Shabbat afternoon.
Meanwhile come to use our Sukkah, especially if you don’t have one at home. Leon and his team built it and our children decorated with the indomitable Hilary Luder. Smell the lavender and have tea, soup, honey cake and challah. Just come. Tonight, our special guest is Bishop of Edmonton, Anderson Jeremiah, and I hope many of you will be there too. We need friends and allies, so bring them into the sukkah.
Chag Sukkot Sameach. May you find joy.
Rebecca
P.S. An FPS group will be in Krakow 19-21 October for important learning at this moment of the year. If you want to join belatedly, you still can. Contact
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