As we gather to celebrate Sukkot, our hearts are heavy with both the joy of our traditions and the weight of the sirens that have become all too familiar. This year, we sit in a sukkah, surrounded by family and friends, yet our thoughts are consumed by the harsh reality we face. Since October 7, 2023, more than 4,000 rockets have rained down on our beloved homeland, fired by Hezbollah in a brutal campaign against our existence. We will not take it anymore.
The sukkah—a fragile structure, open to the sky—symbolizes our vulnerability as a people. Yet it also represents our unwavering faith and connection to HKBH. As we sit in this temporary dwelling, we are reminded of our ancestors who wandered through the desert, relying on divine protection and guidance. The Torah commands us to “dwell in booths for seven days” (Leviticus 23:42), urging us to reflect on our journey and the blessings of freedom and security that HKBH provides.
This year, however, as we hear the sirens wail, the sukkah feels more significant than ever. It stands as a testament to our resilience—a shelter that may be temporary, but is filled with love, hope, and a fierce determination to protect what we hold dear. In the midst of the chaos, we find strength in our unity, gathering to share meals, stories, and prayers that transcend the darkness surrounding us.
Since that fateful day, we have faced an unprecedented onslaught. Over 8,000 rockets fired into our cities, targeting our homes, our schools, our very lives. Each explosion is a reminder that our existence is under threat. But this is not just a statistic; it is a devastating reality that impacts families, children, and communities across the land. We cannot let fear silence us; we must rise with courage and conviction.
In these moments of despair, we are reminded of the words of our sages: “In the merit of their unity, the people of Israel were redeemed from Egypt” (Shmot Rabba 5:18). This unity is our lifeblood, the force that propels us forward in times of crisis. We must stand together, refusing to let the sirens dictate our lives or our faith.
As we sit in our sukkah, we are called to action. The Torah commands us to be vigilant: “When you go out to battle against your enemies, and HKBH your G-d delivers them into your hands” (Deuteronomy 20:1). This is not just a historical commandment; it is a call to defend our homeland with everything we have. We are warriors of faith, tasked with safeguarding our existence.
This Sukkot, let us gather not only to celebrate but to strengthen our resolve. We must support our soldiers, our families, and our neighbors, standing firm against those who wish to harm us. Let our prayers be filled with intention, our hearts with compassion, and our actions with courage. We must respond to the sirens with unity and determination, knowing that HKBH walks beside us.
Despite the darkness, we must embrace the light of hope that Sukkot offers. This festival reminds us that we are never alone. HKBH is with us, guiding and protecting us through the trials we face. As the prophet Isaiah assures us, “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your G-d” (Isaiah 41:10). This promise gives us strength, grounding us in faith even as the sirens echo around us.
Let us carry the spirit of Sukkot in our hearts—resilience, gratitude, and unwavering faith. The sukkah is not just a shelter; it is a sanctuary of love and community. As we share our meals, stories, and laughter within its walls, we fortify our bonds and reaffirm our commitment to one another and to our homeland.
Now, more than ever, our unity is our greatest weapon. The Midrash teaches us, “Just as the body is one and has many parts, so too, the people of Israel are one” (Avot D’Rabbi Natan). Each of us plays a vital role in the strength of our nation. We must support one another—through prayer, advocacy, and acts of kindness—reminding ourselves that our strength lies in our collective spirit.
This Sukkot, let us resolve to stand firm against the threats we face. We must make our voices heard, demanding decisive action from our leaders to protect our people. We will not be silenced. We will rise together, fortified by our faith and our love for one another.
As we reflect on the significance of Sukkot this year, we are filled with a sense of purpose. The sirens may sound, but they will not drown out our voices. We are a people chosen by HKBH, with a divine promise to uphold. Our history is filled with challenges, and yet we have always risen to meet them with courage and determination.
This Sukkot, as we sit in our sukkah, let us do so with a renewed commitment to our homeland, to our people, and to our faith. Together, we will defend our right to exist in the land of Israel, ensuring that our voices resonate through the ages. We are strong, we are united, and we are here to stay—forever linked by our faith, our heritage, and our love for the land we call home.