As a people with agricultural roots, Jews have found many ways to mark the seasonal and environmental changes that occur throughout the year. Sukkot has numerous other themes and areas of focus that encompass seasonal, historical, and theological perspectives. It is among the festivals that fall in the Hebrew month of Tishrei, emphasizing not only the cycles of the earth, but also the cycles of Jewish life. (The other holidays in Tishrei are Rosh HaShanah, Yom Kippur, and Simchat Torah.) Sukkot...

“Rejoicing in the Torah” doesn’t require us to find joy in every verse.     It doesn’t mean that we concur with every choice made by the people in it. It doesn’t demand that we defend the indefensible or excuse the inexcusable.     It doesn’t imply that we should be happy about passages that break our hearts. Rejoicing in the Torah is found in the freedom to study it when, where, and with whom we wish.     We experience happiness with it when we wrestle...

Moroccan-Inspired Vegetable Couscous By Tina Wasserman This Moroccan-inspired dish is a perfect way to reap the bounty of wonderful vegetables available during the Sukkot season. It also makes a beautiful, edible centerpiece for your dinner table in the sukkah. Ingredients 2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 2 large garlic cloves, finely chopped 1 medium onion, diced into 1/2-inch pieces 2 carrots, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds 1 8-ounce can of tomato sauce 3/4 cup dark raisins 1/2 teaspoon salt or to taste...

Hineni. Here I Am. This is the time of year when we would ordinarily be together. When we would reflect on what has been and celebrate the sweetness of what is to come. But this year, the Hebrew word “Hineni” takes on a new meaning. It’s not just a call for our prayers to be heard. This year we say “Here I am” as a commitment. We commit to being present for ourselves, for our loved ones, and for our greater...