Greetings!
During Sukkhot we are instructed to leave
our homes, comforts and possessions and
move into a small thatched hut, which we
build, and through which we can see the
sky. Simple branches make up the roof.
We eat and sleep in the sukkot for a week,
study, receive guests and most of all
remember, that like the simple hut we live in
that can blow away in the wind, our lives and
bodies, too, are fragile and temporary.
As we live in the hut, we are to pray,
sing, and give thanks for the great gifts G-d
gives us. We remember where our good
truly comes from, and also, what our good
truly is. We stop identifying with our
possessions and stop focus on
accumulating
more. We stop believing that the comfort of
material goods is truly comfort. Instead, we
see how attachment to our home and
possessions can numb us to the great
comfort of sky, friends, prayer, song and all
kinds of delicious food. Sukkhot is intended
to turn our lives upside down, until finally it is
right side up. Particularly during this time
of turmoil in the markets of the world, it is
crucial to stop and deeply learn the simple
and ancient message the Sukkhot holds in
its hands. Instead of falling into depression,
anxiety, and anger, let us all realize that our
entire lives are a simple hut, our job is to look
through the thatched roof at the sky, receive
guests, offer love, warmth food and
companionship. And finally, if we are
fortunate, our job is to be aware of the
deepest teaching Sukkot brings - that each
guest we welcome is truly an angel in
disguise, coming to bring and receive
blessings. Our job is to bless and be
blessed. That's all. And it's easier to do this
when we are driven out of our homes,
detached from our belongings and open to
the fact that God provides abundantly and
God guides the world.
(There are many Sukkha's to visit in
Manhattan and elsewhere)
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