Am I Really Living in a Giant Sukkah?

Life in Israel sometimes feels like living in a giant sukkah. I love being here, unequivocally, but there are a few things I have learned along the way which have increased my happiness and contentment in a society within which change,confusion and existential threats can suddenly impact my life.These are precisely the same attitudes and behaviours which can help you develop peace of mind and contentment during this unprecedented period of pandemic, social upheaval and tumultuous change. I am happy to share with you the lessons I have learned.

Faith in a positive future, and fortitude, the personal strength to hold on to my values and beliefs have been challenged by the assault of radical groups linking their political causes to Human Rights. It’s difficult to be fair and to maintain clarity when positive language is used in negative ways to both ridicule and denigrate most of the values, such as honesty and decency, which I was taught through my Heritage.

Israelis, for the most part, have learned the strength to do just that. They rely on their unique Torah values to stand up to the escalating and unjust anti Semitism of the world at large. Although I do speak out against unjust criticism of Israel,I no longer try to convince others of the rightness of my position; rather I choose to spend my time with those who make me feel positive and appreciated. I have stopped being an activist in order to be a doer and Community volunteer, creating the changes I want to see happen.

In a display of Faith and appreciation of their Torah traditions, Israelis,also known as, “The StartUp Nation”, joyfully celebrate living for seven days in a Sukkah, a fragile structure representing Israel’s formative experience, the Bamidbar experience of our Ancestors. This seems quaint in a progressive world and backward looking  in a society which is technologically advanced, capable of controlling its own destiny. Yet building a sukkah is  a cherished reminder that we are a People who have One Defender, One Protector, the G-d of our Forefathers in whom we trust. We know that, through miracle after miracle, the promises made to our Ancestors are being fulfilled in our days. This strengthens our Faith and hope for the future.

Even when the situation on our borders seems hopeless, or we unexpectedly experience a terror attack, individual Israelis recognize the continuing miracle of our existence. That’s why living in a Sukkah makes perfect sense. Rather than worrying about situations which can’t be solved through our own efforts, we are inclined to let it go, until we see a possible solution. Take the day off to go to the beach or do something pleasurable before trying once more to solve a problem. Resilience develops through a balanced perspective. Life itself is to be appreciated, as it is and not postponed. 

Israelis demonstrate their unbridled optimism, often repeating  a favorite phrase, “hakol yiyeh beseder”, which pops out in any situation where challenges seem daunting and success is just one of the possible outcomes. This is always meant to encourage and is usually accompanied by a smile and offer to assist. You never feel that you are the only one who has faced this challenge and that help is always available.

Israelis are noted for their positive outlook and ability to conquer adversity. I, too, have developed that attitude.The possibility that terror will strike without cause or warning, means that you pay attention to what is going on around you, but you don’t stop going out. This has made compliance with social distancing and lockdowns more problematic during the Covid Pandemic. 

When tragedy does happen and a life is lost, Israelis react like family and mourn collectively. They come together from all walks of life and all places in Israel. Community support is rallied for the family and loved ones. We do not wait for the government or an anonymous relief organization to take charge. During Covid, I received phone calls from groups within Modiin,including the City administration, offering help with grocery shopping among other services. Seniors were provided with a 24 hour helpline for any kind of assistance they might require. It wasn’t perfect but I felt cared for and knew where to get support. That’s something we can all do for each other.

In Israel, each and every life counts. Visitors and strangers are often invited to join in an event or share a meal. Volunteers take it upon themselves to deliver pizzas and other refreshments to those whom they think might benefit from such kindness.  Our young people learn that they are part of a collective, something bigger than their own wishes and wants.In their National Service they learn to work together as a team; the objective must be achieved even if personal feelings are hurt or an unpleasant chore has to be done. I experienced this lesson through having a soldier son. The army thrives on “brothers” and identification with a Unit for most of your adult life, so you are never a nobody, you are always somebody with a role to fill. You have a support system. 

So yes, I am living in a giant sukkah, where I have to learn to live with vulnerability. I cannot control everything that comes along but I have  community support and the comfort of my Heritage to sustain me when change becomes chaos. I have the example of my People who overcame challenges and continued on with a meaning filled life. The walls of a sukkah cannot withstand all the storms of life, but they can be rebuilt or replaced, as needed.

Each night when we invite one of our Ancestors into the Succah we celebrate the deeds and special character of that Ancestor. We also decorate our sukkah to make it beautiful, using simple,often home made decorations. We display pictures of the Seven Species to remind ourselves that we live in a land of plenty. This is a joyous Festival which is usually shared. 

I am part of the ongoing story of the Jewish Nation. I rely on my Sukkah to remind me that lifestyle is temporary and subject to change. Life is meaning filled when you belong and feel connected to others with shared values and interest. Israel is often like a giant Sukkah, and our people face the future with optimism and strength.

Leah Laker, Modiin, Israel 2020.