Sukkot, I Will Miss You

A few things happened so far this Sukkot that brought to my mind and heart the human element of the holiday period. The focus is often on the sukkah, but we also need to remember the community and connection of the people who are in the sukkah together.

Certainly, first, the congregation, as they say with the army, “travels on their stomach.” Over the course of the holiday, we were warmly welcomed at three different Chabads in three days. Each offered not only a meaningful prayer service full of song and joyfulness, a beautiful sukkah, and a generous buffet kiddish of assorted delights.

Moreover, in one case, the Rabbi stopped over by our table and sat with us for a long time, getting to know us and then eventually even inviting us over for yet another meal at his home. He was so nice and welcoming and wouldn’t take no for an answer.

In another case, there was a little boy who sadly admitted he couldn’t answer any of the questions about the parsha (Torah portion) in the children’s services. This is a regular feature of some synagogues to help the children learn and participate. Of course, not everyone wants to or can afford a Jewish education, but one of the grownups was so nice and went over to the child to comfort them and let them know that we are all learning together and the main thing is to try to grow.

Additionally, it was very delightful to see one of the shul-goers do a magic trick to entertain the kids.

The children were standing first with their mouths agape and then with laughter, as the man proceeded to take a red handkerchief, stuff it into the clenched fist of one of his hands, and presto change-o, the cloth would disappear as he waved his empty hands to show them it was gone.

Further, looking around the synagogue, I realized that not only were the kids enjoying this sleight of hand, but many of the congregants too. After all the heartfelt pouring out of their prayers, they also seemed to benefit from the brief interruption of the man making the beautiful children happy with a little magic sideshow.

Finally, it’s always interesting to get the inside scoop on some topic or another. I heard this unbelievable story when some congregants talked about buying real estate in Israel. At this point, one person said that you really have to be careful when you buy something to make sure that it’s legit and you’re getting a good deal.

To that, another person told a story about a friend whose father got suckered into buying a plot of real estate not in Israel, but on the moon! To which, I responded incredulously, “That is even worse than someone trying to sell you the Brooklyn Bridge!”

And of course, throughout the holidays, there is constant concern and discussion on the one-year anniversary since the October 7 attack on how things will resolve in the Middle East: getting the hostages released, having the residents in the north and south return to their homes, the elimination of the terrorists, and peace for us all.

Overall, as the holiday wanes, I can already feel how much I will miss this time when everyone goes back to their regular daily routines.