Rabbi Matt's Thought for the Week

Sukkot is described by the Rabbis as z’man simchateinu – the time of our joy. In ancient times, the festival was accompanied by feasting, singing, and revelling in the produce collected during the harvest, seeing it all as gifts from the Almighty. This Sukkot, however, feels somewhat fraught. Falling on the eve of October 7th, it’s hard to fully embrace the pleasure of the festival when violence continues to erupt in the Middle East, our hostages remain in captivity, and we hold our collective breath in hopes that the ongoing peace process will bring our brothers back to us.  

The reality of the festival season, though, is that these days are frequently tinged with a bit of sadness. As an example, we gather each year in our Sukkah and we enjoy seeing so many familiar faces, yet we also can’t help but think of those who are no longer with us. It’s why so many of our major festivals, Yom Kippur, Simchat Torah, Pesach, and Shavuot all include the Yizkor service - prayers and meditations dedicated to the memory of those we have loved and lost.   

Even as we think of those who are no longer with us, we also look to those who carry our tradition forward. This year, our sukkah celebrates the voices of members from across the generations, including those preparing for their b’nei mitzvah. In our most difficult moments, their voices remind us how much life and promise this new season brings. 

Moadim l’simcha - may this Sukkot truly be a season of joy and renewal.