Finding Joy in Sukkot Amidst Turmoil: A Call to Resilience
As we approach Sukkot in 2024, we find ourselves in a year marked by profound challenges and sorrow. It is easy to feel overwhelmed by the weight of grief and loss, especially in light of the ongoing conflict and the toll it has taken on communities, families, and individuals. This year, we grapple with the question: how can we celebrate and find joy during Sukkot amidst such turmoil?
The Torah commands us to "surely rejoice" during this festival, a directive that may feel particularly difficult to embrace this year. The echoes of history remind us that we are not the first generation to face trials during our observance. For instance, in the Warsaw ghetto in 1941, amidst unimaginable suffering, Jewish families stood in line for hours, eager to fulfill the mitzvah of sitting in the sukkah and obtaining the traditional Four Species, despite the harsh realities they faced. These moments raise important questions: Can joy coexist with sorrow? Was joy simply unacknowledged during those dark times, or did it manifest in different ways?
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This year, our observance of Sukkot invites us to reflect on how to weave joy into our celebrations even as we mourn. The landscape around us is filled with loss—the aftermath of violence, the pain of hostages taken, and the displacement of countless individuals. Our hearts ache for the innocent lives affected, and we cannot ignore the shared suffering across communities. Yet, the universal message of Sukkot remains: a call for atonement and remembrance for all nations, highlighting our interconnectedness as humanity.
The wisdom of Ecclesiastes teaches us that "there is a time for everything." Perhaps this suggests that joy and sorrow are not separate entities but rather can coexist. Life is often a tapestry of emotions, interwoven and complex. In our Jewish tradition, we learn to balance joy and sadness. For instance, at a wedding, we break a glass to remember our losses, and during Passover, we spill wine to commemorate the death of our enemies. Such practices remind us that joy can emerge even amidst grief.
This Sukkot, we are reminded of the commandment to celebrate joyfully with our families and communities, as stated in Deuteronomy 16:14-15: “You shall rejoice in your festival... for the Lord your God will bless all your crops and all your undertakings, and you shall have nothing but joy.” The repetition in this directive speaks volumes; it acknowledges that joy may require effort, especially in times of distress. The Hebrew word “ach,” meaning “only” or “but,” emphasizes that while we face challenges, joy remains a goal worth pursuing.
Our tradition offers various paths to joy, emphasizing that each individual’s experience of joy will be unique. Some may find solace in quiet reflection, while others may express joy through communal celebrations, singing, or feasting. The lulav and etrog symbolize the diversity within our community—each unique yet united in purpose. This year, as we gather in our sukkot, let us remember that our collective strength lies in our ability to support one another.
In a world where sorrow often feels overpowering, we can take inspiration from our shared traditions. We must strive to experience joy this Sukkot, not as a denial of our grief, but as a testament to our resilience and our commitment to life. Let us uplift one another, creating a harmony that honors both our losses and our joys. This Sukkot, may we find ways to rejoice, celebrating the bonds of our community and the enduring spirit of hope that guides us through even the darkest of times.
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