Sukkot is one of my favorite holidays. Also called Zeman Simchatienu, the “Season of Joy,” Sukkot is purposely joyful to follow Yom Kippur’s solemn mood. In Leviticus 23:40ff, we learn to spend time in a sukkah, take up the four species (etrog, palm, willow, and myrtle) and “rejoice before God.” Today, rejoicing with branches from trees can’t compete with things that light up, buzz, and transform. But, we do it anyway.
Each of us is instructed to take up the four species and participate in the celebration. In their teaching, the rabbis helped us see ourselves in the celebration, too. After all, the holiday isn’t about tree branches; it’s about celebrating our relationship with God. By way of an analogy, the rabbis likened Torah knowledge to the species with edible fruit, namely, palm and etrog; and (mitzvah) good deeds to the species with a sweet aroma, namely, myrtle and etrog. Only the willow branch has neither edible fruit nor sweet aroma. And, they taught, there are four kinds of people: those like the etrog, who have Torah knowledge and no good deeds; the myrtle, with good deeds, but no Torah knowledge; the palm, with Torah knowledge, but no good deeds; and the willow, with no Torah knowledge and no good deeds.
At our best, we are like the etrog, with Torah knowledge and good deeds. And, yet, just as we take up the four species together in a cluster, we also bind ourselves to a community of people. The best among us, likened to an etrog, may support those who have not yet found their way to Torah knowledge or even good deeds. The rabbis teach us that the Jewish people can never be destroyed as long as we’re bound together. Weakness is balanced by strength; transgressions are balanced by good deeds. Together, we overcome and prosper.
When we live in community and bind ourselves to others we find the strength we need to overcome almost anything. In addition, our rabbis assured us that when we are part of the community we can master our worst inclinations and derive benefit for ourselves. Therefore, wholeness and goodness are possible. Repentance at this season is complete. Not alone, but in company with others we find our strength and our blessing.
Next week, on Wednesday evening, we’ll end the holiday of Sukkot with the celebration of Simchat Torah (Joy of Torah). It’s the time of year when we end the reading of Torah with the last words of Deuteronomy, and begin again immediately with the first few words of Genesis. We take all the Torahs from the Holy Ark and we dance with them. It’s our blessing and our strength. It’s also the night of Consecration. Our youngest students in religious school and the Shlenker School formally enter their Jewish religious studies as they recite the Shema, receive a blessing, and take hold of their very own Torah. We begin in the Sanctuary at 6:30pm. Won’t you make this hour part of your family celebration? If you’ve never held a Torah, this is your chance! If you’ve never danced with a Torah, this is your time!
The next day, Thursday, October 4th, at 11:00am, in the Chapel, we will have Simchat Torah worship and Yizkor. Everyone is welcome. If all you gleaned from this message is that you should be an etrog, then you missed part of the point. Don’t be an etrog. They’re lumpy and tart, anyway. Be a joyful Jewish person! Learn, do, and celebrate!
From my desk to yours, Shabbat Shalom and (Chag Sameach) Happy Sukkot!
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