by Alli Moses, Assistant Director
One of the many names of the festival of Sukkot is Z’man Simchateinu – “Time of our Joyousness”. On the holiday of Sukkot, we are given an explicit charge to be joyful. As the Torah says, וְשָׂמַחְתָּ֖ בְּחַגֶּ֑ךָ…וְהָיִ֖יתָ אַ֥ךְ שָׂמֵֽחַ – “You shall rejoice in your Festival…and you shall have nothing but joy.” (Deuteronomy 16:14,15). We are instructed to build temporary dwellings and find abundant joy in moving our lives into them for a defined period; eating, sleeping, working and spending time connecting with friends and family.
Just when we have completed the work of introspection, repentance, and spiritual heavy-lifting that characterizes Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, Sukkot comes along, in contrast, bringing moments of pure enjoyment. Our tradition creates a distinct period of time that highlights and celebrates a sense of joy that is every bit as critical as the ethical living and justice-seeking which are focal points of our High Holidays.
Of course, Camp Ramah knows a thing or two about happiness and joy. Simcha – promoting a sense of uninhibited Jewish joy – is a core pillar of all that we do. For a defined period, we leave behind our homes and lives. And much like the Sukkot that we build, we construct a vibrant community along the shores of Monterey Bay for the purpose of dwelling in it temporarily and celebrating together. The summer serves as a Z’man Simchateinu of our own, filled with creative Jewish living, exploration, growth, and most importantly fun. And though only for a finite amount of time each year, the experience we share inspires lasting memories, fosters enduring friendships, brings us closer to God, and nourishes each and every one of us with an abundance of simcha until we reunite again.
May the ways that we’ve learned to have fun and experience happiness at Camp, carry into our celebration this festival. Wishing everyone a Chag Sukkot Sameach filled with the sweet memories and joy of camp!