Sukkot in Our Trembling World

Dear Friends,

From the fierce awe of Rosh Hashanah and the transcendent rachamim (compassion) of Yom Kippur, we arrive in Sukkot—zeman simchatanu—the time of our rejoicing.

Sukkot calls:

Rejoice in life’s goodness.
Delight in earth’s abundance.
Sing, celebrate, and give thanks.

It can feel impossible to raise up joy in these times—and that is Sukkot’s call:
In a world exquisitely broken and beautiful—Rejoice.
In a life that is fragile, vulnerable and passing—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 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 5786 and—

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