Sukkot 30/09/23
Omri -
Sukkot is the opening of our new year, it's the first occasion, the first event that we can celebrate with full joy in our hearts.
After Yom Kuppur, after we've had a day to seek redemption and improve ourselves for the coming year, now it's our time to follow it and celebrate it.
But not to celebrate it alone but rather to do it with other people as it's a מצווה to have people over to your Sukkah, to have אושפיזין. it's our time to have fun to be filled with happiness and optimism for this year, to use the promise for a better year we have all been praying for, for a better concise and mindset.
Yet, the Sukkah should not only be a place of joy but also your sanctuary. The Sukkah is mentioned numerous times as a metaphor for a safe haven, like in the Psalms, where the Sukkah is a divine, unique place where you can find shelter under God's mercy/חסד.
I believe that Israel is our Sukkah. A place that we can go to no matter what, and feel safe, a place that will always be there for us when we need it the most!
Israel indeed has to face some problems, and it may sometimes seen as a challenging place BUT just like in the Sukkah you get exposed to challenging conditions like; the sun, the wind, and even rain yet, you still feel happy and safe inside the Sukkah, in your own culture. That's how Israel serves as our Sukkah.
Sharon -
One of the most fascinating differences I noticed between Jewish culture in Israel and Jewish culture abroad, is the amount of effort put in to create a Jewish space.
Back home a Magen David is a very common sight, the language of the Torah is the commonly spoken language (well, kind of) and Shabbat is felt all over the county. When living abroad, Judaism isn’t as easy as it is in Israel. Schools don’t work by our calendar, Cars are on the road on Yom Kippur and everything is open as usual on Saturday. In order to feel Jewish - you work hard. And from what Iv’e seen so far, you are all hard workers.
Nothing makes me happier than walking around the city (well, mostly along Bathurst), and seeing beautifully decorated Sukkahs. It feels like a small piece of home. The community here amazes me everyday with their active pursuit of Jewish culture and love for Israel. I was touched by all the amazing people that came to the Sukkah decorating event, the amazing atmosphere of the high holidays in Beth Emeth and by the amount of people happily supporting Israel through Israel bonds. I am so happy to be fortunate enough to be in a community with such amazing traditions, Zionism and love. I hope you all have an amazing holiday. Shabbat Shalom.
