Jews around the world are going through the usual whirlwind of Jewish holidays, but this year also comes with the heavy weight of antisemitism and war. It feels like we all need a break—a moment to breathe, maybe even a hug. Well, that’s kind of what Sukkot is all about!
Sukkot comes right after the intense time of Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and the days in between, where we focus on atonement and reflecting on ourselves. It’s exhausting, and with everything going on in the world, we’re probably more drained than ever. But Sukkot might just be the break we need.
Right after Yom Kippur, we leave the intensity behind and step into a Sukkah, a temporary hut filled with holiness. You might think this holiday would happen in the spring, since it commemorates the Exodus when the Jewish people lived in temporary shelters. But no, Hashem commands us to do it in the fall. Most of us head into the Sukkah when it’s cold, which is a test of faith. This effort brings great rewards. Hashem’s embrace! It’s like Hashem is saying, “Don’t worry, I’ve got you. You’re in My house now, and everything will be okay.” It’s a spiritual hug of floppy walls and a branch-filled roof.
That’s why Sukkot is called Z’man Simchateinu, the time of joy. When we enter the Sukkah, we’re recognizing the deep connection we’ve built with Hashem over Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, and now it’s time to celebrate!
But what about when Sukkot ends? Do we just wait for next year? Definitely not! Hashem’s “hug” is something we can take with us into our homes, schools, and everyday lives. We can create spaces that feel safe and warm for others. Ask yourself: Is your home a place where people feel welcome? Do you show kindness and compassion to your friends and classmates? Is the new kid at school fully accepted? If you can say “yes,” then you’ve really taken in the message of Sukkot—a message that’s not just for us as Jews, but for everyone.
As Rabbi Jonathan Sacks z”l explains, Sukkot isn’t just for the Jewish people—it’s for all of humanity. We pray for rain during Sukkot, and rain is life-giving for everyone. So as we grow as a Jewish community and as humans, let’s use this Sukkot to learn how to embrace everyone with all their differences, unique strengths, and challenges. Under one Sukkah, we can find a spark of holiness that connects us all.
Want to learn a little more about the fundamentals of the holiday? Click here for an informative infographic.
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