Moadim L’Simchah! “Holidays are for joy!”
Moadim L’Simchah! “Holidays are for joy!” These words are among several phrases we offer each other this week of Sukkot, as we are now in the intermediate days of our harvest festival. The weather has certainly been gorgeous outdoors. The purposeful connection to nature is intense and awesome.
For those of us who eat and even try to sleep in a Sukkah it is also a reminder of the fragility and vulnerability of life. It also makes us just a bit more aware of the millions of people around the world who live in Sukkot-like structures all year round.
We read from the Book of Kohelet, Ecclesiastes, during Sukkot. Found in the Wisdom literature, Ketuvim, of the Hebrew Bible, it speaks to the meaning of life, life transitions and the search for happiness.
1:16 I said to myself, “Look, I have increased in wisdom more than anyone who has ruled over Jerusalem before me; I have experienced much of wisdom and knowledge.”
17 Then I applied myself to the understanding of wisdom, and also of madness and folly, but I learned that this, too, is a chasing after the wind.
1:18
For with much wisdom comes much sorrow; the more knowledge, the more grief.
4: I saw the tears of the oppressed— and they have no comforter; power was on the side of their oppressors— and they have no comforter.
7: A good name is better than fine perfume...
12:13
Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Be in Awe of God and keep the mitzvot, for this is the duty of all humankind.
12:14 For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or bad.
Yes, but this the time of our rejoicing,” Zman Simchateynu. Hopefully, the words of Kohelet propel us to express greater appreciation for life, family and community. May the words of Kohelet inspire us to greater deeds of loving kindness, Tzedakah and Tikkun Olam.
If you are in the neighborhood, come celebrate Sukkot this
Shabbat at Sanctuary. Let’s sing, dance and experience a wonderful Kiddush in the Sukkah!
Moadim L’Simchah!
Reb David