SUKKOT
Rabbi’s Drosh
What is the relevance of Sukkot in our times when we are in lockdown?
How can a flimsy Sukkah bring us to a state of joy as we celebrate ‘Zman Simchateinu’ - the festival of our gladness?
Firstly, I need to confess some bias here. Sukkot has always been my favourite festival. After the serious Days of Awe, and the heaviness of self-reflection which is necessary for our growth, the feeling of simcha (joy) and closeness to Hashem which comes with dwelling in the Sukkah is really special.
As a world, we built so much which made us feel the illusion of control. Economies, businesses, bustling cities, international travel networks, and so on. COVID19 has been a huge wake up call for just how little we can control. As Jews, we get that wake up call every year when we face the elements and dwell in the Sukkah.
Our lack of control can either make us feel vulnerable and scared or can actually fill us with faith and a sense of security (Bitachon). The fragility of the Sukkah should (paradoxically) make us feel more secure as we realise Hashem is the one running the world! On the one hand, everything is beyond our control but on the other hand, we have a direct line to the one in charge.
I really encourage those who build a Sukkah every year to make a special effort to do so again in lockdown. For those who have not built one before - THIS IS THE YEAR! - take advantage of the extra time at home to fulfil this special mitzvah. You don’t need much space to make a Kosher Sukkah (see below). Feel free to contact me with questions. We would love to see photos of your Sukkah too!
For those who are feeling extra brave, it is a special mitzvah to sleep in your Sukkah…Plus in level 4, this is the closest we can get to an overnight trip or weekend away!!!!
Chag Same’ach,
Rabbi Friedler
Make a Kosher Sukkah in a Tight Space!
Want to fulfil the mitzvah of eating bread in the Sukkah?! One year, I was travelling during Sukkot and needed to eat lunch (see the photo opposite!). According to the Shulchan Aruch, a kosher Sukkah must have at least 3 walls, and each wall must have a minimum length of 28 inches (72cm). The walls of the Sukkah must extend at least 40 (102cm) inches high.
The Friedlers’ Highlights
Zooming into the New Year Together
Over 200 members have engaged with Zooming into the New Year with AHC.
If you know someone who is looking for connection during lockdown, please encourage them to join us on Zoom and see familiar faces online!
Yizkor
Thank you to all those who participated in our special Zoom Yizkor service pre-Yom Kippur.
If you missed the service or would like another opportunity to remember and honour a loved one, please join us for Shimini Atzeret.
Chazzan Brykman’s Magical Singing
Everyone who heard David’s incredible Zoom performance went into Yom Kippur uplifted. If you missed it then you can catch the Zoom recording via the link below. Truly special and enchanting!
Kadimah Learning about Yom Kippur
This week at Kadimah we learned about the importance of Yom Kippur using an analogy and story about a parent and a child who wanted to correct their behaviour. This idea gave us a way to to better understand our relationship with Hashem and make the most of Yom Kippur and the power of Teshuva.
Zoom into our Sukkah
We have put up our Sukkah this week and - through the power of Zoom - there is room for everyone!!! Please join us in our Sukkah (and invite us into yours) for a special Sukkot Zoom this week.
Essential Deli Continues
Please support our Deli as we continue with this essential service of providing Kosher food to the community.
Kol HaKavod to Sam and the team for all the hard work during lockdown. We can’t wait to move up levels and be able to access more of the Deli’s services.