God

For the joy of Sukkot is not a sign of naivete; it is a declaration that Israel’s story will end not in fear but ultimately in redemption.

The structures may be temporary, but creating them with attention to these minute details allows God’s presence to dwell among us.

The sukkah reminds us that we are not so powerful. We must be humble and remember that everything we eat, everything we own, and our military successes all depend on God.

We remember on Sukkot that despite our considerable human ingenuity and skill, we remain dependent on God – not only for the technology itself but for help when our knowledge and tools fall short.

Prayer may be an essential part of Jewish practice, but it is precisely because of its regularity that its inner essence is often passed over.

I struggle to find my place, hiding thoughts inside my head that cannot be revealed, impatient with a mind-numbing experience, reciting prayers that seem detached.

Whoever you are, whatever your year has been, the community proclaims: Anu matirin lehitpallel im ha-avaryanim. Tonight, we permit ourselves to pray together.

Most mitzvot summon us to perform tangible actions. Teshuva cannot be reduced to ritual or gesture. It demands intent, sincerity, and inner upheaval.

On Rosh Hashanah, we pray that God will enter our world and make His presence unmistakable – for those who strive to push Him away, and for those who have yet to open their eyes to Him.

No tyrant, no politician, no ayatollah, nor president can dictate our future. Fear no man, Isaiah is telling us, and trust only in God.