In Jewish tradition, Abraham’s tent is a symbol of radical hospitality. Open on all sides, it welcomed travelers from every direction, offering rest, nourishment, and connection. Similarly, the sukkah, though temporary and fragile, becomes a sacred space of gathering during Sukkot—a place where we welcome guests, share meals, and dwell in joy and reflection.
Both the tent of meeting and the sukkah have served as gathering places throughout the generations—spaces where stories are shared and meaningful conversations unfold. Throughout the millennia, Jews have grappled with the issues of the day and found ways to disagree without being disagreeable, even when mutual understanding was elusive.
Our world today presents us with plenty of issues to wrestle with, and I hope that your holiday and Shabbat tables—and your sukkah—provide inclusive spaces for thoughtful dialogue. Community spaces also serve this purpose beautifully, and we are fortunate that our congregations, JCC, and Jewish Federation offer plentiful opportunities for engagement.
One such opportunity is coming up on October 29, when we welcome Evan Bernstein, Vice President of Community Relations at the Jewish Federations of North America, for a special Lunch & Learn program. Evan will facilitate a community conversation on the topic of Israel—an issue that challenges and inspires us. We hope you’ll join us and share your perspective.
As we move through this season of reflection and renewal, I hope the High Holy Days were meaningful for you and that the year ahead brings many opportunities to gather in community. Our tent, our sukkah, our community is open to all.
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