Dear Friends,
Sitting in a sukkah is supposed to be somewhat of a distraction. Most sukkot are simple but beautiful. We leave the comfort and luxuries of our homes to sit in a makeshift shelter reminiscent of ones the ancient Israelites used when wandering in the desert. In a sukkah, there isn’t supposed to be news about rising COVID-19 cases, or about election coverage. In a sukkah, we are simply supposed to sit back, relax, enjoy food, drink wine, and gaze up at the stars. We are encouraged to realize, to recognize, and be grateful for the many blessings in our lives.
The way in which we will observe Sukkot this year will be different than ever before. Many of us may not have the opportunity to sit, eat, and relax in a sukkah. Nevertheless, our need for a simple, albeit beautiful distraction, is still just as, if not more, important than ever before.
However we may observe Sukkot this year, it is my hope and prayer for all of us that we have the opportunity to take a step back, and recognize that despite the craziness that is our lives, and the craziness in the world around us, we are all blessed in many ways and have so much to be thankful for.
I, for one, am thankful for this community, and for all of you. I hope to see you tonight, at 6:15, when we Zoom from my sukkah at home and begin our holiday together.
Wishing you all a Shabbat shalom, and a Chag Sukkot sameach,
Rabbi Josh Dorsch
