Religious Committee

Dear Congregation,

Get ready — not even a week after the intensity of the High Holy Days, we arrive at another major holiday. But this one is very different.

Sukkot is called Z’man Simchateinu — the Season of Our Rejoicing. After the drama, introspection, and solemnity of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, Sukkot comes to us almost like a gift from God: a holiday of joy, gratitude, and celebration.

Sukkot is also known as Chag HaAsif — the Festival of Gathering, the ancient harvest holiday. At this time of year, farmers would gather the produce they had worked so hard to grow throughout the spring and summer. It was a moment of relief, gratitude, and blessing — and we continue that spirit today.

The Torah commands us to build sukkot, small temporary huts:

“In order that future generations may know that I made the Israelite people live in sukkot when I brought them out of the land of Egypt.”

Notice the wording: “I made them live in sukkot.”The verse suggests that the Israelites did not build these shelters simply because they needed housing. Rather, the sukkot were expressions of God’s protective care, reminders that even in the wilderness — even in uncertainty — we were sheltered, guided, and held.

Today, we continue that tradition. If you don’t have a sukkah at home, please come enjoy our beautiful synagogue sukkah. It is open to everyone, and it is one of the most joyful spaces we create all year.

We will celebrate with the Lulav and Etrog at our Sukkot services. On Shabbat morning, we will have a special Sukkot service with a Torah procession and the singing of Hoshanot — ancient prayers asking for God’s help, blessing, and protection.

After services, we will gather for Kiddush in the Sukkah, fulfilling the mitzvah of dwelling, eating, and celebrating in this sacred, temporary space.

May this Sukkot bring you joy, gratitude, and a renewed sense of God’s sheltering presence. May your home — and our community — be filled with light, warmth, and blessing.

Chag Sameach and Shanah Tovah,

Marc Lamb

Baal Tefillah

CHCM-TBS Religious Leader