Weekly D'var Torah

And at the time of ingathering, you shall celebrate the Feast of Sukkot at the turning of the year...Seven Days shall you dwell in Sukkot and you shall rejoice on your festival.
 
What's with the Booth in the Backyard?
 
Rosh HaShana and Yom Kippur are sacred time.
 
Sukkot is sacred space.
 
The Sukkah enclosure gives physical form to the field of holiness emanated by the Jewish soul. This outward directed positive energy is what enveloped us as we made our pilgrimage from Egyptian slavery to the Land of Israel.
 
The Kabbala calls the Sukkah Tzila D'mehemnuta, the Shelter of Faith. Over the High Holidays, we are intensely focused inward. Now, on Sukkot, we take that inwardness and project it outward.
 
Leadership manuals, from those advising CEO's to educators, heads of state and leaders of faith all share one key role of the leader: to infuse themselves with and to project a sense of optimism, purpose, a deep belief in the mission of the group and a willingness to welcome, accept and connect. While these qualities are intangible, they are real. What a gift to give to the world. The Sukkah gives us a physical extension and training in this spiritual superpower.
 
Plus, they're fun to build and great to share (safely)!   Chag Sameach!