On Sukkot we are instructed to be happy. 

Known as z'man simchateinu - our time of rejoicing - the holiday of Sukkot represents a break from the challenges that confront us and reminds us of our formative experience wandering in the desert for forty years. The holiday reminds us to go "back to the basics," to enjoy nature and to appreciate our surroundings. 

And this week has been filled with incredible joy - from breaking bread with friends and community members in beautifully decorated Sukkahs to seeing the faces of children lighten up as they grasp the lulav for the first time.  

Sukkot decodes for us the secret of joy and happiness.  The homes and buildings that we leave during Sukkot show that happiness doesn't come from what we shut out, but rather from what what we let in. True joy comes from a roof open to heaven, a door open to guests, and a heart open to thanksgiving.  

To steal a phrase from Rabbi Rick Jacobs, President of the URJ, Sukkot is a time when we embrace "audacious hospitality."  

Rabbi Jacobs shares that "the Jewish people are here today because those who came before us were audacious. By that I mean courageous, fearless, and bold. Genesis teaches us to practice audacious hospitality. On a blisteringly hot day, Abraham runs after three desert wanderers, insisting they come inside for nourishment. What makes his act so memorable is not waiting for the wanderers to knock on his door; instead, he goes out to meet them where they are and invites them in. Audacious hospitality isn’t just a temporary act of kindness so people don’t feel excluded. It’s an ongoing invitation to be part of community - and a way to spiritually transform ourselves in the process." 

As we conclude Sukkot this weekend with lively dancing and return inside, we must stay committed to ensuring that everyone who seeks to be part of the Virginia Peninsula Jewish community has somewhere to turn, feels that they belong, and is able to play a role in shaping our collective future.  

Shabbat Shalom and Chag Sameach,
Eric Maurer
Executive Director
emaurer@ujcvp.org