Sukkoth is a time when we recall our journeys toward freedom and liberty and the wandering lives of our ancestors. The Rabbis of Rabbis for Human Rights have often asked how we can in good conscience celebrate fully when others are denied their freedom and freedom of movement? How can we celebrate in an outdoor Succah, a temporary structure consisting of a roof made of organic material, that we have the option of dwelling in during the time of the festival, when there are those who are homeless because they either cannot afford to put a roof over the heads of their families, or their homes have been destroyed.
Rabbi David Forman writes in Succot has Universal Meaning that the need for permanent housing and a sense of rootedness is not only a Jewish need. Succot commemorates the 40-year period during which the children of Israel wandered in the desert, living in temporary shelters. Because for almost 2,000 years we lived as a stateless people, exiled from one place to the next, one would expect that now that we are well established in our permanent succah – read: state – that we would be sensitive to others who wish to fashion a sense of permanency and rootedness.
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Rabbi Arik W. Ascherman writes in Sukkoth: Peace, justice, involvement and caring for all people that Sukkoth is also a time when we reside in the Sukkah, reminding us the importance of protection from the stormy winds and rain of life. May we know how to spread out a Sukkah of peace, justice, involvement and caring on all people and on the whole world so that this holiday can be a “Time of Merriment” for everyone. May every man and woman be part of our oshpizin – hospitality - in the common Sukkah of all beings created in the image of G-d.
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Rabbis for Human Rights Yom Kippur viduis are intended to remind us of our sins (transgressions) in the hope that we will find the wisdom to do better in all that we touch in the coming year.
Sovereign of the Universe, accept in loving kindness and with favor our prayers for the State of Israel, her government and all who dwell within her boundaries and under her authority. On the 60th anniversary of her founding, reopen our eyes and our hearts to the wonder of Israel and strengthen our faith in Your power to work redemption in every human soul. Grant us also the fortitude to keep ever before us those ideals to which Israel dedicated herself in her Declaration of Independence, so that we may be true partners with the people of Israel in working toward her as yet not fully fulfilled vision.
