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D'var Torah - Sukkot - October 5, 2012
Rabbi Mark S. Kram, Temple Beth Or,
Miami, FL
After spending hours in synagogue for Rosh HaShannah & Yom Kippur, we move out into a fragile booth - able to only withstand a strong breeze. It's a great segue from internal work to external realization of the message which is being drilled into us: WAKE UP! CHANGE! TURN BACK TO THE RIGHT PATH! TURN BACK TO YOUR BEST SELF!
Distinctly different from Yom Kippur, Sukkot is a happy, celebratory holiday. Sharing ones sukkah with friends; spending time outside (yes we are allowed lights, fans - even A/C). A week-long picnic. A reminder of how truly fragile our lives are. And that's not an illusion.
We are commanded to, "Choose Life," on Yom Kippur by the Torah portion read (Netzavim). Choose the path which gives life; which is living; and living fully. Choose to be ALIVE. Try new things this year. Spread your wings. Don't be afraid - of the new; of what we might lose through change; of the unknown.
Choose Life! In every way.
A religion which points us towards life and living is asking more of us than just subsistence and more than simply surviving. It is asking, rather, demanding that we be in this world completely, wholly, entirely.
Imagine, if we are, what a year we will have.
Hag Sameach & Moadim L'simcha!
Shabbat Shalom!
Mark
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