From the Cantor - October 2004

"On the fifteenth day of this seventh month there shall be the Feast of Booths...those are the set times of the Eternal that you shall celebrate as sacred occasions..."
(Vayikra/Leviticus 23:33 & 37)

It is always amazing to me that in the Torah we are commanded to celebrate the festivals at "set times" and instructed on the specifics of how to celebrate them. We have this wonderful opportunity to give thanks for what we have and at the same time recall when we did not have anything.

Sukkot in our household has always been "Thanksgiving," including the turkey and dressing along with pomegranates and other fruits and vegetables. We set aside time to eat, rest, study, and when our children were very young, even sleep in our sukkah. It is our time set aside from the intensity of the High Holy Days, to celebrate the joy in our family and our community. We are thankful to have this relaxing time together and a sukkah that has lasted for many years.

Sukkot holds a very special place in my heart with regard to my Congregation Albert Family. My very first conversation with Dr. John Graham, chair of the Cantorial Search Committee, took place a year ago, as I was sitting in the sukkah with my husband, David. (Yes, you may even take your phone into the sukkah.) I was thankful at the time for such a warm conversation and you can imagine that I am incredibly thankful at the result.

As we transition from the High Holy Days into the Festival of Sukkot we contemplate the changes we have decided to make for this New Year. Change does not come all at once. We must create new habits. Perhaps this year you will consider setting aside your own "sacred time" to join together with our congregational family to attend worship for Shabbat and all the Festivals.

Come sing and pray with us and make sacred time to be together as a community.

Moadim l'simcha, may your sacred time be joyous.

B'shira,
Cantor Barbara R. Finn

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