Rabbi's Week in Review Blog

Three worship events in this past week capped off this busy and meaningful series of holidays on the Jewish calendar.  Last week we welcomed to our home and our Sukkah a group of Palestinians and Jews for meaningful discussion (and food that originated from both Palestinian and Jewish chefs/cookbook authors).  Discussion was both lively and joyful to start our evening, moving into serious and meaningful discussion as to a pathway forward.  From our Jewish side we were and are looking for ways to provide healing and a just and dignified pathway forward for Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank; a way forward after - thank G-d -  the hostages were released, and Palestinians were returning to what was left of their homes. We know the challenge is great, but we must find and lift up the humanity in the other. Otherwise, I fear we will keep this cycle of violence and destruction.

This past Shabbat/Sukkot we welcomed some forty people to our home. Studying the complex and arguably discouraging messages of Kohelet/Ecclesiastes traditionally read on Sukkot.  Following our study, we welcomed a music-oriented Shabbat/Sukkot service, followed by time for the mitzvah of dwelling in the Sukkah, and waving the four species of the lulav.  In this time of Z’man Simchateinu-the season of our joy-it was truly a joyous celebration of Jews coming together to celebrate this special time.

Finally, a small group gathered (a bit of holiday fatigue by this time of year) to celebrate Shemini Atzeret/Simchat Torah.  We all gathered around our Torah with reverence for how we engage with its meaning, asking questions and engaging each other in discussion, finishing off the evening by sharing dinner together, with just time to be social and enjoy each other’s company.  This was a perfect way to celebrate the holiday.

We hit a bit of dry spell in terms of major holidays until Chanukah.  In the meantime, we have many opportunities to continue good feelings gained in the past month of holidays, every Shabbat, through our social justice work, and in social gatherings. Let us support each other in community, continuing to find time together to celebrate all that is good in life, and work for a world in which everyone can experience joy in their lives.