And the seasons go round and round

Jeffrey Feld, Federation President/ CEO

Here we are once again, completing and beginning! We are about to complete 5781 and with Rosh HaShanah, we will commence 5782.

In September, 2021, we will observe the High Holy Days of Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur and the entire holiday of Sukkot, including Simchas Torah and Shemini Atzeret.

It is a time when families get together. It is a time for self-reflection and of renewal. Hopefully, we will all be able to enjoy our families, our services and our friends in person. The COVID-19 pandemic has made this past year or 18 months very challenging in so many ways. Again, hopefully, we will be able to be together, in person, in our congregations with our families and be able to reflect on what these challenges may have meant and to find a way to renew our commitment to life going forward.

During this time, my favorite holiday is Sukkot. There are a few reasons for this. First, very personally, my Bar Mitzvah was on Shabbos Chol HaMoed Sukkot (a long time ago). Recently, it has been my honor to be able to chant that Haftarah to commemorate my bar mitzvah. I appreciate Rabbi Chorny and the leadership of Beth Tikvah for allowing me to continue this tradition.

Sukkot is a harvest festival. This holiday calls for people to come together. A symbol of Sukkot is the Lulav. The Lulav and Etrog are essential in celebrating this holiday. The Midrash notes that the binding of the four species symbolizes our desire to unite Jews. The Lulav is made by tying together the closed frond of a date palm tree, with myrtle and willow. Of course, the Etrog is held with the Lulav to bring everything together.

As a Federation CEO, it is my nature and personality to want to unite our entire Jewish community together. By bringing our entire Jewish community together, regardless of stream, tradition or affiliation, we are making an effort to truly build our community.

For me, Sukkot is all about building community. For me, Federation is all about building community.

I thank each of you for everything you do to help us build a most vital and vibrant community. Shanah Tovah!