Complimentary = Complementary?

By the way, happy “Feast of Booths” — as I once heard a Gentile call it….

He was a member of a sect who try to fulfill all of the “Old Testament” commandments along with the “New Testament”.

So what do they do for Sukkot?

They understand that the essence of the mitzvah is to move out of your home into a temporary dwelling for a week.

Ergo, they all go to the Gulf Coast to stay in a hotel together.

That’s not exactly our interpretation, but how can you not love their spirit?

In cold climates, some of us diehards might find ourselves sitting alone in the sukkah while the rest of the family sits snugly in the living room. That Gulf Coast hotel sounds pretty nice….

One way to bring the family together is to make some popcorn and watch the Israeli Sukkoth classic, Ushpizin.

In case you haven’t seen it lately, it portrays the very human tension between my personal vision for comfort and the uncomfortable mitzvah of welcoming an unwanted guest.

I would like to suggest that we can extend that ethic beyond the Sukkah, beyond the home, to everywhere and every day: Do you know how you can make someone feel welcome in this world? Make the small effort of giving them a smile and a sincere compliment: validate their presence.

​It takes some effort, which may be slightly uncomfortable. But try it for 1 day — with everyone you meet — and see if it makes you happier or not.

Unless your name is Oscar the Grouch, I guarantee it will make you happier.

And it seems to me that this is the ultimate question for Sukkot and for life: Is your mission in life comfort or discomfort? Make your choice.

Chag Sameach!