Shabbat Shalom with a Heart Healthy Dose of Torah–Sukkot

“Old Blue Eyes (Frank Sinatra),” sang prophetic words in his “September Song:”

“Oh, the days dwindle down to a precious few
September, November
And these few precious days I’ll spend with you
These precious days I’ll spend with you”

During this fall season, we look at the earth and our days spending time with it … in it are dwindling. As the earth begins to go to sleep for the winter, we cherish each day of sun and warmth, hoping to wear our summer shorts or sandals just one more time before packing them away.

It is easy to get together for outdoors programming. We like meeting at the beach, the parks, or even at outdoor cafes. We thrive on the sunshine, especially when we can share it with people who we enjoy.

Once the winter sets in, we have to be more intentional in our celebrations. We have to find ways around being stuck looking at the same four walls of a room, over and over again.

This is the magic around the holiday of Sukkot. As the earth begins to go to sleep, we celebrate the last harvest of the year … and pray for Spring. In the meantime, we faithfully take care of each other and commit to holding each other through the freeze … into the thaw. Sukkot reminds us that we have to welcome guests, that we have to celebrate renewal, that we have to live hopefully, and that until Spring happens, we still have to keep each other fed and warm.

On this Shabbat in the midst of the holiday, take an extra walk outside. Go eat a meal outdoors (if you are near one, then eat in a Sukkah). When you go back inside, make some calls and plan a few events with friends … for December or January. Make plans now to celebrate then. Commit to bringing people together for fun amongst yourselves and for service work to help keep those in need fed and warm … and loved.

Shabbat Shalom.