Let’s Talk about Sukkot

Between Us

During the holiday of Sukkot, which begins Sunday night, we are commanded to “…live in booths seven days.”

The sukkah is by definition, a temporary structure (notwithstanding our attempts to brace, bolt and batten it down). Its fragility is the point: to remind us that lasting strength comes from our relationships with God and other people; not from wealth, material possessions or even the presumed security of our homes. Norwegian dramatist Henrik Ibsen seemed to sum up the essence of Sukkot when he wrote, “Your home is regarded as a model home, your life as a model life. But all this splendor, and you along with it … it’s just as though it were built upon a shifting quagmire. A moment may come, a word can be spoken, and both you and all this splendor will collapse.”

As we sit in our homes and in our sukkot, we consider the fragility of our lives and the lives of others throughout the world – from earthquakes to terrorism to war to sickness. Who among us hasn’t been caught short by the suddenness and impact of tragic accidents or illness to us or to our loved ones? It literally “rocks our world” and it seems there is little we can do to prevent it. Or maybe there is.

On Sunday, September 27 at 9:30 a.m. at the DCJCC, there will be a panel of experts on “Family Medical History Matters,” a discussion on hereditary cancer in the Jewish community, specifically about BRCA1 & 2 mutations. One in forty Ashkenazi Jews are at a significantly higher risk for developing certain cancers. “Knowledge generates power. Knowledge saves lives.”  Click here for more information.

As we count our blessings this Sukkot, let us give thanks for what we have and commit to provide assistance, solidarity and strength to those who need us.

Shabbat Shalom and Chag Sukkot Sameach.


 

Ways to Make it Yours

Encourage your teen to apply to the Israel Engagement Fellowship to develop a connection to Israel and build leadership skills.

Purchase scrumptious baked goods for Sukkot at Café Sunflower & Bakery in Federation’s building today until 4:30 p.m. For more information visit sunflowerbakery.org or call 301-321-3280

Volunteer at N Street Village on Sunday, October 4 as we cook, prepare and serve nutritious meals to local women in need.  

Make a difference with Mitzvah Mavens at our first social action event of the New Year on Monday, October 19 in partnership with the Jewish Council for the Aging (JCA).

Click here to access the full community calendar