|
|
||
HOME
|
|
Drash for Shabbat Sukkot By Peter Molk - October 6, 2006 As I read Zach's portion of Leviticus, the first day of Sukkot, it made me reflect on why we celebrate our Jewish holidays. Early on we are taught in school that we have to work hard to get what we want and need to have a nice life for ourselves and our families. What I have learned not so long ago, is that life requires a balance. That is where I thought back on this portion when it says "On 6 days work may be done, but on the 7th day there shall be a Sabbath of complete rest, a sacred occasion. You shall do no work; it shall be a Sabbath of the eternal throughout your settlements." I have always tried to balance mine and my families hectic lives, whether it's having a family supper together, or on occasion going to Shabbat services with our friends. When you observe these rituals and holidays together you really understand the power of what our values are all about. Our family had the opportunity to attend this years Temple retreat. What I took away with me from the weekend, was how it brought everyone together, from the kids trying to figure out why we were there, to the older congregants sharing their passion and understanding of their spiritual essence of having Sabbath on Friday nights and going to Saturday morning services. The experience we had as a family was truly meaningful. I feel there is an importance by taking time and observing these special holidays and customs, and to look forward to not going to work, and spending time with my family. This is the time of year that we reflect back and see how blessed we are in having a loving family, and watching our children grow into adults. In reality, maybe I am just observing what has been instilled in my upbringing, and what values I have taken from my parents. I hope I can do the same for both my children, and give them good values, and show them the importance of what observing these holidays and most importantly, what being Jewish means in their lives. On this holiday of Sukkot, the festival of Thanksgiving, we certainly have a lot to be thankful for. Shabbat Shalom.
|
