As we come together beneath the nurturing shelter of our newly dedicated Sukkah, a tribute to the cherished Chava, our spirits overflow with gratitude. Chava’s unwavering dedication to our community renders this dedication deeply meaningful and resonates with all of us. To all who poured their energy and heart into this sacred space and its consecration ceremony, our sincerest thanks. This Sukkah, a beacon of hope and unity, is now a perennial reminder of Chava’s profound legacy.
In many ways, the Sukkah mirrors the Jewish journey throughout history. Just as this structure is temporary and delicate, so have we navigated history’s unpredictable terrains. We’ve withstood persecution and trials for countless generations, facing perils that threatened our very existence. Yet, when mighty empires such as Moab, whose legacy is inscribed on the Moabite Stone, Assyria, and Rome dissolved into the shadows of history, we persisted. Our secret?
The wisdom of Rabbi Jonathan Sacks shines a light on this: “Faith is the courage to live with uncertainty.” Rooted in an unwavering faith in a singular, all-powerful God, we’ve found the strength to endure. While other civilizations saw their downfalls as indicators of their gods’ diminishing power, our unique worldview, informed by our prophets, recognized our challenges as consequences of our own moral failings. Instead of abandoning our beliefs, they were fortified and evolved.
The Torah, our compass in the vast expanse of existence, grants our lives purpose and direction. Through its teachings, we can derive meaning and resilience, even when we confront towering adversities.
Our history is rich with trailblazers: Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and countless others whose tales fuel our collective spirit. It is rituals like Sukkot that reconnect us with our roots, allowing us to traverse history with our forebears, imbibing their wisdom and channeling their fortitude.
An intrinsic aspect of Sukkot is the Ushpizin – the seven illustrious guests we spiritually invite into the Sukkah: Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Aaron, and David. Each represents core values and milestones in our shared narrative, and their symbolic presence links us to the continuum of our tradition.
The Sukkah, moreover, is a profound metaphor for life’s transitory nature. Kohelet, which we read during Sukkot, accentuates this ephemerality. But instead of fostering pessimism, it beckons us to act with purpose and immediacy. As our sages, echoing Rabbi Hillel, remind us, it’s vital not to delay performing Mitzvot. Every moment presents an opportunity to enact change, love, study, and leave an indelible mark.
Despite our physical vulnerabilities, our spiritual and intellectual legacies are vast and enduring. This vigor is a testament to our incessant engagement with the Torah, our dedication to the Mitzvot, and our unwavering sense of purpose.
Gazing through the Sukkah’s sparse roof, we’re encouraged to look beyond our immediate surroundings and aim for the infinite. This upward view inspires us to rise above everyday squabbles and aspire for universal harmony. Drawing from the words of Isaiah, we dream of the End of Days when the fallen “Sukkah of David”, the Temple, the ultimate Tabernacle of Peace, will be resurrected.
Concluding with Rabbi Sacks’ enlightening words: “Peace is not achieved by holding on to what you have but by giving it away.” The Sukkah, as a microcosm of the Holy Temple, embodies this peace. As we find solace within its embrace, let us renew our vows to God, immerse ourselves in the Torah’s depths, and tirelessly work towards a world enveloped in peace.
May our Sukkah stand as an enduring symbol of hope, resilience, and shalom for all future generations.
Shalom.