I wanted to share with you a powerful story from my father's book, "Why God Why - How to Believe in Heaven When it Hurts Like Hell." In the book, he recounts a conversation he had with one of my brothers who was struggling to understand why G-d allowed a family member to die from lung cancer. Instead of trying to provide a theological explanation, my father asked, "Do you want an answer, or do you want a hug?"
My brother's eyes welled up with tears and he replied, "I want a hug." This story resonates with me. It makes me think about the importance of Sukkot and Simchat Torah in our Jewish tradition.
Just as most Jews wouldn't eat a bagel without the lox or cream cheese, attending synagogue on Yom Kippur without participating in Sukkot and Simchat Torah is like a bagel without cream cheese.
These holidays offer us a chance to reconnect with Hashem and with each other.
After confessing our sins on Yom Kippur and being blessed with a new year, we sometimes doubt if we are we truly okay. Will our relationship with Hashem remain strong?
We ask Hashem, "Do you still love me, even though I made mistakes?" And Hashem's answer is, "Do you want an answer, or do you want a hug?"
In the sukkah, surrounded by the walls of Hashem's embrace, we find comfort and reassurance.
We shake the lulav and etrog, symbolizing our connection to all types of Jews.
We dance with a closed Torah on Simchas Torah, representing our shared connection to the Jewish tradition.
I hope to see you at one of our Sukkot events, where we can come together and experience the warmth and love of Hashem's embrace.
Rabbi Kushi Schusterman