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Sukkot 2002
USY,
Historically speaking, Sukkot, at one time in Jewish History, would most
likely have been the most important chag of the year. The importance of
agricultural on not only on Jewish society as a whole, but on the countless
individuals whose livelihood depended on their crops, cannot be understated.
Perhaps that is why Sukkot was placed in such close proximity to both Rosh
HaShanah and Yom Kippur; following our receiving judgment for our deeds,
good and bad, during the past year, we can now thank Hashem for our personal,
material accomplishments, and pray for the same results in the coming year.
The Torah, in parashat Pinchas, outlines the immense number of sacrifices
for Sukkot. Sacrifices total 98 lambs and 70 bullocks. By comparison, Pesach
requires only 16 bulls, and no other chag requires more than 2. Our Etz
Hayim Chumash reminds us that, "The Talmud teaches that the 70 bulls represent
the thanksgiving offering on behalf of the 70 nations of the world (Babylonian
Talmud Sukkot 55b)". Not only does this make sense, given the writings that
our people should be a "light unto the nations," and therefore should offer
prayers from the various nations, but also because our people must realize
that there are so many who do not have food to eat, and whose harvests were
not as bountiful as theirs.
It's very easy for us, as North American Jews, to lose sight of the importance
of Sukkot. Few of our livelihoods depend on our harvest, and most of us,
baruch Hashem, have little trouble finding food to eat. Yet on this Sukkot,
we can first remind ourselves of the mitzvot that the Israelites observed,
where they understood, first-hand, the immense importance of the food we
eat, in saying the appropriate brachot before eating, and saying birkat
hamazon after we eat.
In addition, as USYers we can practice the mitzvah of ma'akhil r'evim (feeding
hungry) as individuals, and in our USY chapters and regions. One of the
most commonly known sites amongst USYers is http://www.thehungersite.com.
The sites informs us that, "Approximately 24,000 people die each day from
hunger or hunger-related causes. That translates into one person dying every
3.6 seconds -- 74% of which are children. The majority of hunger-related
deaths are caused by chronic malnutrition. An estimated 800 million individuals
-- children, mothers, fathers, grandparents -- simply cannot get enough
to eat." Not having food to eat is something that afflicts people worldwide,
including the United States, Canada and Israel. We can use this Sukkot to
help fight this problems, as Jews and human beings.
Judaism recognizes that no matter who a person may be, it is presumptive
of us to judge them. Hillel says, "Do not judge your fellow human being
until you stand in his situation" (Mishnah Avot 1:5). Each of has our situation,
and should be allowed to improve through realizing their own faults, for
it allows them to take ownership of their personal growth. I'm sure each
of us would want that for ourselves, and therefore we should grant it to
others.
I wish you all a wonderful, joyous and thoughtful Sukkot. As always, feel
free to email me at jsrabin@erols.com
or IM me at BigRabe02.
Chag Sameach,
Joshua Scott Rabin,
USY Religion/Education Vice-President
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