Sukkot and Social Justice
Insert Word: ______ in the Sukkah.
You’ve probably heard it a million times on campus or in young Jewish professional events! Hookah in the Sukkah; Pizza in the Hut; et cetera et cetera. But what about, “Social Justice in the Sukkah?” Did you know Sukkot goes hand-in-hand (or hand-in-lulav) with Tikkun Olam and Social Justice?
As we dine in our huts outdoors, ‘tis the season to look outward and help make the world a better place. Here are some relevant social justice issues to get you started on some program brainstorming:
Climate Change
“Who by water, who by fire” is often reserved for Yom Kippur, but the scary increase in frequency and intensity of natural disasters linked to climate change should give us pause on Sukkot too. Being outdoors reminds us how susceptible we are to the elements, as does a holiday on which we celebrate the harvested bounty nature (and G!d!) has given us!
- What messages or Jewish wisdom about climate change or environmentalism might speak to your community?
- How can you be intentional this year about celebrating Sukkot in a more sustainable way?
- What better way to thank Mother Nature on a holiday so connected to Her!
Homelessness
The Sukkah’s temporary nature reminds us that our permanent structures may actually be not-so-permanent. We may all find ourselves spiritually or physically homeless at one point or another. Indeed, a number of those in and outside of our communities already art.
- Who is lacking a physical or spiritual home and could use a warm meal in your Sukkah?
- What acts of service can you perform to support those experiencing homelessness in your community or around the world?
Refugees and Immigrants
The seven holy spiritual guests who visit our Sukkahs throughout the holiday, also known as Ushpizin, remind us of our obligation to support those refugees, immigrants, and others seeking refuge. Tradition teaches that each of the Ushpizin themselves experiences a period of being uprooted from their homes.
- What refugee or immigrant populations are finding refuge in your area?
- What groups can you partner with to support them this Sukkot, or what stories can you uplift and share with your community?
