Landing in Sukkot

From the expanse of Yom Kippur we arrive in Sukkot, the celebration of earth’s generosity. During these days we invite the ancestors to join us as we give thanks to earth and all beings and call on all of their wisdom to guide us into the New Year.

Sukkot is also called zeman simchatanu—the season of our rejoicing. It is amazing that after all we touched and experienced during the holy days of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur we land in Sukkot’s call to be joyous, to embrace delight, to experience and create beauty.

The beautiful offering of Sukkot is that we are called to experience joy and delight in dwellings that are temporary, impermanent, open to the sky and earth. All things pass, Sukkot sings, we are here for our time, gather as you can, share your bounty, honor the earth, delight and take joy in the fruits of the journey.

Today a friend reminded me of this beautiful offering from Terry Tempest Williams, one of my most important teachers. I pass it on in honor of Sukkot and to welcome Autumn’s arrival:

Once upon a time…

There was the simple understanding

That to sing at dawn and to sing at dusk

Was to heal the world through joy.

The birds still remember

What we have forgotten,

That the world is meant to be celebrated.

Terry Tempest Williams

When Women Were Birds

Shalom,
Rabbi Yael

This Week's Audio Teachings

We call on the ancestors as we sit together in the embrace of Sukkot. Listen to the recording of today's Meditation Sit with Rabbi Yael Levy on Soundcloud.

Listen to this week's Torah Study on Soundcloud.