A FINAL WORD


Many contemporary thinkers emphasize the sukkah as a symbol of the joyful, yet fragile, nature of human existence. Perhaps we enjoy our lovely temporary sukkot so much because we are able to easily ascertain their precious and precarious qualities. A central theme of the holiday is hospitality and the gift of having the ability to share our bounty and our friendship with others. In times when many of us live without close family members nearby, celebrating Sukkot, inviting others to share meals in our sukkah, is a wonderful way to build a "temporary family," to feel a part of the larger Jewish community. A sukkah seems to be always large enough for another chair, another paper plate at the table, making it possible for us to whole-heartedly welcome our own ushpizin.

Chag Sameach to you and your family.