We made it- the High Holy Days are over! It was so amazing to see so much of the congregation over these past weeks, and I feel so grateful to each of you who showed up- praying, reflecting, singing, and repenting together in community over the course of the holidays. It feels like we’ve crossed a major milestone in our Jewish calendar. But wait… there’s more! After the holiest days of the year, we move right into two important festivals, Sukkot and Simchat Torah.
Perhaps you’re feeling a bit tired, maybe even a little “templed-out.” You’ve been to more services in the past few weeks than you can count! At this time of year our hearts may be full, but we’re also a little drained. The idea of one more festival, one more service, one more moment to show up in community, might feel like a big ask.
Despite our weariness, I think we need these festivals in our Jewish lives, perhaps even because we are so weary. After the seriousness of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, the repenting and reflecting, Sukkot invites us to turn to joy. It reminds us to go outside, gaze at the stars, and sit in the fresh air. We shake the lulav and etrog, and we are reminded that holiness is all around us, even beyond the our holiest days and our sanctuary. Holiness is in the friends and family gathered together, the smell of a delicious meal being prepared, the joy of children laughing as they decorate the sukkah, and in the rustling of fall leaves. And as we settle into the joy of Sukkot, we’re greeted by another sacred occasion; Simchat Torah. On this day, we mark our return to the Torah’s beginning by dancing with our sacred scrolls. We celebrate our connection to Torah through prayer, movement, and togetherness, building on the delight of this this special season. Though we may feel tired, the rhythm of the Jewish calendar still guides us forward. We aren’t left in the serious, introspective mindset of the High Holy Days forever. From atonement and reflection, we move towards rejoicing and gratitude.
With all this in mind, I urge each of us to see these festivals as a continuation of the High Holy Days, another step on the spiritual path we get to walk during this season. So, I hope to see you around for these holidays! There are still a few more days to dwell in one of the sukkot at Temple Rodef Shalom, and there’s the opportunity to joyfully dance with the Torah on Monday evening. I look forward to continuing to welcome this new year with simcha and togetherness in our sacred community.
Shabbat Shalom,
Cantor Sydney Michaeli
