Published October 2025
SUKKOT: JOY + HOPE
Submitted before our hostages came home. We thank the Almighty for this Sukkot Miracle.
Anxiety over the situation in the Middle East would appear to make it difficult to observe the commandment this Sukkot: “You shall rejoice in your festival.” (Deuteronomy. 16:14). The festival of Sukkot marks the final harvest of the year. Judaism teaches the Jews symbolically through the Sukkah to lift our eyes and we will see the stars. That is always a source of inspiration and encouragement. That is good reason why, on the concluding days of the festival, we observe Simhat Torah with joy and celebration. For it is the Torah that reminds us to remember the balancing forces of joy and hope.
Rabbi Alvin Kass
Chief Chaplain of the NYPD