Whether we truly believe that our sukot (the plural of suka) are to remind us that we traveled for 40 years in the desert- or we needed to preempt the pagan harvest festival that occurred this time of year three millennia ago- is truly immaterial. Because we Jewish folk have found meaning in the suka- to remind us that our lives are transient, our lives are fragile, and our lives require our efforts along with Hashem’s help.
Like the proverbial three pigs, our house of straw, our house of wood- even our house of bricks- doesn’t really protect us. Just look at all those homes wiped away by Katrina, by Sandy, even Sally, or by tornadoes.
With its flimsy roof, the portion of the suka always erected last on our suka, we recognize the structure of the suka as a shelter for our faith. Each new day, we are restored to our souls and our brains by Hashem. By sitting in this suka, this flimsy structure, we are acknowledging our faith in Hashem, who affords us the ability to enjoy our meal with the stars and the sun up above.
That’s amplified with another of our mitzvot- hachnasat orchim- the welcoming of guests. The problem is that this year, we must just be entertaining the metaphysical guests we invite each night (Avraham, Yitzchak, Yaakov, Moshe, Aharon, Yosef, and David). After all, the COVID-19 pandemic renders many of our friends and relatives unwilling to come out and play. They fear the conviviality of sharing meals in the Suka.
Which means the fun we expect to have with friends in the Suka just won’t be happening (much- or at all) this year.
So, we’ll have to hope that saying Kiddush, Birkat HaMazon, and Havdala (some of us daven shacharit, mincha, and/or ma’ariv- the three daily prayers) in our suka, we are reminded that t’fila (prayer) is yet another connection. Our means to maintain a conversation with Hashem.
Of course, if you have neighbors like we used to have, there’s also the shelter of authenticity. (This neighbor called the police several times reporting that we built a structure without a permit.) The suka reminds us that this tradition, this tenet of our faith, dates back at least to the time that we entered the holy land of Israel. As an agricultural people, our connection with the land, with the food and animals we raised, with the offerings of food to Hashem, this is the last connection to those first Jewish citizens of Israel. And, maybe back to our 40 years of traveling in the desert.
May you truly feel enveloped by the love of your family, friends, and Hashem this Sukot. Whether in purpose or in spirit.
What a neat blessing, Roy! Thanks!! I wish the same for you.
Glad to share blessing, Jeanine!
This was very deep. I have heard of the Feast of the Tabernacles but I was not familiar with the term Sukot (Sukkot? — I had to look it up; I guess several spellings?)
It will be different this year but I hope you and your family enjoy and feel safe and loved!
Dominique Walton Brooks recently posted..8 Ways to Maintain Emotional Balance During Uncertain Times
Well, Dominique- I could be cute and say there is only one spelling סכת
It’s the transliteration that has the multiple choices!
We have Durga puja and Diwali in October.This year everything has gone for a toss.But being alive is blessing indeed.
Your last statement is key, Amrita!
I sure do wish this pandemic would end so that we could celebrate holidays with our loved ones.
I’m with you on this, Marcia!
Chag Sameach!
גם כן לך
Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience so that I may learn.
Cynthia Jean Winsel recently posted..The Moods Over COVID
Thanks for the visit and the comment, Cynthia Jean!
Covid has changed so many happenings, I hope you still can get together even if virtually.
Martha recently posted..My Niche and Lia
Well, instead of 8 or 10 folks crammed into the suka, it’s more like 2 or 3 this year, Martha.
The opening paragraph of this post is so meaningful as it explained the meaning of the suka. Thank you for teaching me something new today (again).
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Glad you liked the post, Barb! Thanks for the visit and the comment.
I love this post, Roy. I’ve loved learning of the Jewish faith since reading Marjorie Morningstar.
Lily Leung recently posted..Day 2 Ultimate Blog Challenge – The Pleasure of Showing up
Glad to oblige, Lily. Enjoy the Fall!
Thank you for sharing with us, I think this website truly stands out :D.
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Honored by your comment- and flattered by your visit.