Frail.
Temporary.
Yet filled with joy.
We’ve heard these messages before when it comes to Sukkot. Our sukkot are built to reflect the vulnerability of our people. They are structures in which we experience happiness, though they, themselves, are hardly secure.
Entering 5778, we’ve seen more than our share of disasters. The after-impacts of three major hurricanes and an earthquake have taken hundreds of lives and displaced countless numbers from their homes and jobs.
We watch now as the commonwealth of Puerto Rico, often referred to as our 51st state, staggers in its recovery from Hurricane Maria. At this writing, the island is still 95 percent powerless.
And in the latest disaster to befall our country, we, along with the rest of the nation and the world, are watching the man-made disaster in Las Vegas unfold in real time. At press time, more than 50 were confirmed dead and over 500 injured, many critically.
Frail.
Temporary.
It’s difficult to find any joy in these situations.
We’ve seen the frailty more than we wish this holiday season. But it’s our continued action as a people responsible for one another and the tikkun olam we bring to others that symbolizes the inside of the sukkah this time around. We have to remember that while we are enjoying our meals and time together with friends and family in our “temporary homes” this year, there are people whose actual homes have been destroyed, and others who will never return to their homes or whose homes will never be the same.
The Jewish Link has urged in the recent past in this space that contributions should continue. We must continue to support those in need, whether in Puerto Rico, Houston, Florida, Las Vegas or elsewhere. They are living the message of frailty at this point.
Frail.
Temporary.
For them, there will likely be no joy for a long time. But we are charged with providing as much support as we can to the millions impacted.
