Covid Sukkos Intentionally

My grandfather of blessed memory was particular about how he washed his hands before breaking bread.  He was very scrupulous in the method of washing his hands and in how he recited the blessings.  I remember watching him drink his morning coffee.  After reciting his morning blessings while garbed in his hat and jacket he would make his coffee and in good russian style, put the sugar cube in his mouth and then he drank the entire coffee in a few seconds.  

I was always impressed with his capacity to tolerate the heat of the drink.  In later years I came to appreciate his intentionality in all that he did.  For him drinking coffee was not a leisure event; something to be sipped while reading the morning paper.  It was an act of nutrition and perhaps a morning pick me up.  Whatever it was, it was intentional.  Just like his hand washing and his Sukkah building and everything else he did.

I think about this each year at Sukkos when consistent with the Chabad custom we eat and drink everything in the Sukkah.  Even a cup of water is only consumed in the Sukkah.  It makes the act of even drinking a cup of water a meaningful and intentional act.

If there is one thing I’ve learned from Covid it is not to take for granted any small aspect of life.  From the ability to send children to school, to the convenience of supermarket shopping to the very act of breathing fresh air unmasked.

As we approach the end of Sukkos and prepare for Simchas Torah, this message is driven home.  The ability to celebrate with the Torah, to observe the traditions in their regular form can be taken for granted.  This year, the usual High Holiday traditions have been restricted.  The Simchas Torah traditions, always a highlight of the season is restricted this year.  The joy and meaning however is not.  The Torah’s lessons transcend all circumstances and that is where I’m putting the focus this year. 

Let’s internalize the message of Sukkos with the lessons of Covid and pray together for next year in Jerusalem without restrictions.  And until then let’s value every moment and not take any tradition or any aspect of life for granted.

Good Shabbos and Chag Sameach!

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