From Cantor Joshua Diamond Friday, September 24, 2021
Dear CBO family,
This Shabbat we find ourselves in the middle of my favorite Holiday, Sukkot. There are so many reasons I love this holiday, being outside, spending time with family and friends, and having the opportunity to engage with my Judaism in a physical tangible way are just a few to mention.
Every year as a young boy in the fall in Minnesota I would try to spend as much time in the Sukkah as possible. I would eat in it, play with my toys, and even sleep in it; Even though it got quite cold I loved it. As a child the Sukkah represented a place that I found a sense of safety, happiness, and comfort. It sheltered me physically and also brought me comfort to my soul without me realizing it. I think part of my love for the outdoors comes from being in the Sukkah and being with nature like our ancestors.
Being that my father lived across the street from his synagogue our Sukkah was also kind of like a congregational Sukkah as well. After Hebrew school I would have my friends cross the street and we would play and spend time in the Sukkah together. Looking back to these moments I see how the Sukkah also represented a place of friendship and allowed me to deepen my bonds with my friends by having a place we could come together.
The Sukkah also represents love; my parents would cook wonderful meals and have people over to eat with us in the Sukkah. Food is one way to show someone that you love and care about them. The Sukkah and more importantly the holiday of Sukkot gave my family the opportunity to shower our guests with love by sharing meals in the Sukkah. Sukkot brought out the best in me and my family. I hope it does the same for you.
May this Holiday allow you to learn about yourself and give you the ability to explore your Judaism in ways you haven’t before.
Chag Sameach and Shabbat Shalom, Cantor Diamond
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Affiliated with United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism