We enter the sacred days of Sukkot tonight – some of us will sit in a Sukkah – a temporary shelter from the ruptures and the rage, a hut that is a hug, embracing us, and yet still open to the sky and to the surroundings. But even if you won’t be sitting in a Sukkah – this is the time for taking stock of how we weave together differences to come together under one big hopeful roof of peace.
Sukkot is a holiday that is often associated with happiness and harvest as we end this season of the high and holy days and begin the new year. And yet this year it falls upon the second anniversary of October 7th. Even as we pause to reflect on this horrific day in our history, the violence continues in Gaza, the hostages are not yet home, and with bated breath we wait for news that this suffering will be over so that the next chapter of healing and hope can urgently begin.
So how do we celebrate Sukkot with all this going on?
By remembering the core teachings of this holiday: Sukkot teaches us to dwell in impermanence and to find joy in the ways we show up with and for each other, inside fragile shelters that we build for hospitality, and fill with presence. The sukkah, open to the elements, reminds us how exposed we are, and yet how capable we are of creating sacred space, even amid uncertainty, mixing grief and joy, finding shelter in each other’s kindness, co-creating shared opportunities for growth and for peace.
Sukkot begins tonight and continues through October 13, when we enter Simchat Torah. Throughout these days we will mark the holiday – and show up for this second anniversary of horror – committed to the next chapter in our living scroll of Tikkun, transformation, healing and hope.
We invite you to join us for several events commemorating this anniversary and a few ways to celebrate Sukkot and Simchat Torah – for all ages.
Our calendar for all upcoming events HERE.
