Sukkot in Our Trembling World

Dear Friends,

Having traveled through the awe of Rosh Hashanah and the rachamim (compassion) of Yom Kippur, we land in Sukkot-zeman simchatanu—the time of our rejoicing.

Sukkot calls:
Rejoice in life’s blessings.
Delight in the earth’s abundance.
Sing, celebrate and give thanks.

It can feel deeply challenging to lift up joy in these times—and the call of Sukkot is clear:

In a world broken and beautiful—Rejoice.
In a life that is fragile, vulnerable and precious—Celebrate.
In a time when so much feels lost—Create Beauty.

Sukkot commands us to declare:

Here I am in this trembling, frightening world and … I will not give up hope.

I will celebrate and share moments of joy.
I will marvel at life’s gifts.
I will delight in the earth’s generosity.
I will sing and give thanks.

Let us harvest joy, wonder, beauty and gratitude so that we have the strength and courage to walk into 5787 and —
squar

Be a sign for goodness.
Those that hate will see and turn back in shame.
Infinite help and comfort will come to all.
Psalm 86:17

Much Love and Blessing.
Shalom,
Rabbi Yael