It’s always been so challenging to me that Sukkot literally commands joy. It doesn’t suggest it. It’s actually called zman simchateinu – season of our joy. What an interesting tension to hold this week. Today, the second anniversary of 7th October and in the aftermath of the attack on Heaton Park Congregation.
Yet it’s right here in our tradition. We lean in to joy when we may least feel like it. And we invite guests into the sukkah when our instinct might be to close down a little.
But neither option is available to us because we will continue to reach for joy and gratitude and connections.
I feel bereft without our synagogue sukkah this year but last night we had a magical and very packed Sukkot service and celebration chez Katz and this morning such a meaningful service with our friends at SPS.
Wishing you a joyful Sukkot, even if it’s moments in your garden and Shabbat Shalom. I’ll be in Stockholm celebrating the 20th anniversary of the community I helped to build there, which is going from strength to strength. There is joy in that.
Shabbat Shalom,
Rebecca
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