On the Shabbat of Sukkot,
we read the Megillah of Ecclesiastes
written by King Solomon.
In it he says:
“For everything there is a season,
a time for every purpose under Heaven,
a time to be born, a time to die,
a time to plant, a time to uproot,
a time to weep, a time to laugh,
a time to grieve, a time to dance.”
Time is an inexorable current sweeping us along.
It is the framework in which we live, the receptacle of our experiences.
We attempt to gain control, yet time remains uncontrollable.
It is a dynamic force that we cannot master or stop.
Jewish time is defined by the different energies and emanations that infuse it.
The holiday of Sukkot is the time of deep and sacred joy.
Joy is the pervading energy that we are asked to tap into.
King Solomon who enjoyed virtually limitless honor, wealth and luxury declares,
“All is emptiness.”
We know that our days on earth will end.
Our lives like our sukkot (impermanent huts) are temporary.
Sukkahs are temporary structures for our temporary lives.
There is a joy in knowing that we don't need much.
Perhaps real joy is achieved by focusing on what really matters.
Our sukkah is hinting to us to reach out
with love and friendship to each other,
to invite people in, to share our bounty, to take pleasure in and
to shine our faces towards each other.
Our challenge now is to face and lovingly embrace each other,
to feel God's protection,
to challenge the fear that 'life is empty" by filling ours with meaning,
by connecting ourselves to the Source of Life itself.
We are choosing life when we attach ourselves to God.
Since God is the only timeless reality there is.
At this time, we ask God to continue to protect us,
shelter us, show us how to lead existentially meaningful lives,
help us feel true joy, embrace us, love us, be faithful to us, and
give us peace.
Spiritual pursuits have lasting value, physical things do not.
May we all feel deep and intense joy.
Much love, Chag Sameach, Shabbat shalom
Elissa
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