Tomorrow is October 7.
Tomorrow marks two years of sustained heartbreak for all the Israelis, Palestinians, and others killed and injured, for all the hostages who have yet to return home, and for every life uprooted by violence.
Tomorrow is also the first day of Sukkot. Sukkot is simultaneously a time of deep vulnerability and profound joy. In the Torah, Sukkot is called “Z’man Simchatenu”—the time of our joy.
Grief, vulnerability, and joy are powerful forces, but not opposing ones. Simcha, or joy, is one of Avodah’s core values. We know that our world is filled with grave injustices and suffering, but also that building a better future is a joyful and loving act. Our Jewish tradition anchors us in the balance between the challenges we face and the opportunity for celebration. It offers an opportunity to explore the complexities of the human condition.
For 27 years, Avodah has seen the power of pluralism to carry us through both the joyous and the challenging seasons. As a community and as individuals, we each hold a wide array of backgrounds, beliefs, and emotions about Jewish life and this moment in time. We do know one thing is certain: our lives are intertwined, and we can’t do this work alone.
We commit to continuing to build a pluralistic community for generations to come. Until then, we’ll continue to hold you, our community, in grief, sorrow, and joy.
Cheryl Cook
CEO, Avodah
