As the Jewish holiday of Sukkot approaches, tomorrow also marks two years since October 7th, 2023 – one of the most tragic days in Jewish and Israeli history.
As we mark this solemn anniversary, we remember every life lost, we embrace those still healing, and we renew our commitment to never stop searching for a better future for Israelis, Palestinians, and Jewish communities the world over.
The holiday of Sukkot is referred to as z’man simchateinu, the season of our rejoicing. We are literally commanded to be joyful - to welcome the stranger, to invite friends into our tent to celebrate the wonders of the universe and nature. Can we possibly do these two things together - mourn and celebrate?
I am so grateful for the way in which our diverse and vibrant Jewish community has been sharing our collective grief, trauma, and yes - even optimism. Even our guests from Israel last night at our October 7th commemoration here in St. Louis added so much to my own processing of the times we find ourselves in – and for that I am also grateful.
In the face of hate. In the face of the horror of the day. In the face of the polarization that day brought and the subsequent disagreements over Israel’s response – can we find any solidarity? Can we find a way to think beyond our personal and collective trauma?
Well, maybe we can look to Sukkot for our path forward. Even at a time of such anguish – we are commanded to celebrate. In my own writing, I have been saying to friends and colleagues to harness the pain and let it compel us to go out and engage with real people. Engage in your community. Engage with “shared society” relationships and initiatives that still do exist in Israel. As one of our speakers said last night – he wasn’t sure if he had hope for peace – but he said he had hope for a future. Where there is no war. Those are two very different things.
Extremist activists and many of our leaders see a simple, one-dimensional world where maximal solutions exist. "This or that" will solve an intractable problem. It is quite likely there are smaller human interactions that truly shape social and political change – over time. That is where my hope comes from. And that hope is what I will celebrate with friends, loved ones, and community partners this week - and in the weeks and months ahead.
This is the hope that will help me break through the trauma of October 7th. I pray that you also can find a similar path toward hope - and find meaning and healing in the very real pain of the moment.
Chag Sukkot Sameach
David Cohen
JCRC Executive Director
