We are sitting oif shpilkes, awaiting the joyous homecoming of the captives from Gaza. The anticipation, anxiety and excitement are unbelievable. And, our hearts go out to the families whose loved ones have been torn from them for too long.
Prayers, posters, and protests have become the norm for two long years. Despite the exhaustion of waging a war for the very soul of our people, the exhilaration is tangible.
Every Jew knows that it could have been them locked up and tortured in the tunnels of Gaza.
This is not the homecoming of a stranger.
This is not the homecoming of a fellow citizen.
This is not the homecoming of a distant relative.
This is my homecoming. This is your homecoming. This is the homecoming of every single Jew.
But, to where are we coming home?
Not to a fortress. Not to our own safe homes. Not to a mighty military. Not to a world that loves us.
These have all proven unreliable in some way.
So, to where are we coming home?
To the Sukkah.
The Sukkah is the ironic symbol of the Jewish home and our people’s story. It is a beacon of strength, but not due to it’s might. It is a tower of stature, but not due to its height. It is a haven of security, but not due to its impermeable walls. It is a shield of protection, but not due to its secure roof.
The Sukkah symbolizes the Jewish spirit, which can never be broken. The faith we have in our Creator. The belief that we have a mission and sacred purpose in this world.
Despite the apparent weakness of its position, the Sukkah perseveres. It may come tumbling down in the wind, but it will rise again. It may be knocked over by the rain and hail, but it will stand once more next year.
The Sukkah may be fragile and temporary. But, it houses something indestructible and eternal.
By eating our meals in the Sukkah and transforming it into our home for the festival of Sukkot, we declare that the spirit of the Jew and Judaism can survive any hardships.
Awaiting the captives’ imminent return is a universal Sukkah. The Sukkah of our people, embracing them with open arms.
Let us rejoice this Sukkot in their honor. Let us rejoice in the indefatigable Jewish people and way of life, which can never be extinguished.
And, let us dance on Simchat Torah. Because we can. And, because we want to.