By Talia Rodwin

A Sukkah is a temporary dwelling or booth that in ancient times, was used for farmers to dwell in their fields during the harvest season. In our time, it is a place for family and friends to come together and eat good food, be thankful that the high holidays are over, and maybe even smoke some hookah in the sukkah (#OberlinHillel). I want to focus on the idea of a temporary dwelling, Sukkah, as a place that gives us shelter when we need it most.

Everyone take a minute and think of the temporary dwellings in your life. I’m not talking about only physical spaces but also the songs, colors, friends, and other comforts that are meaningful at a time when we are looking for meaning. Just because these “dwellings” are temporary doesn’t mean they hold less power; maybe their meaningfulness comes from the fact that they are fleeting and will always hold special places in our hearts. When I think of temporary dwellings I think of the Regina Spektor concert I saw in eleventh grade, peach picking with my family, my community of friends at school, singing with others, and eating really good chocolate cake. These moments are sensory, special, and full of meaning that has allowed me peace of mind and joy when I have needed it.

Our movement is made up of individual members so of course our temporary dwellings will differ. But there is one Sukkah that we all share: our inclusion in this amazing, inspiring, at-times-frustrating-but-always-rewarding movement. Habonim is a youth movement and we know we won’t be youth forever. Our participation in kvutzot, machanot, and kenim won’t last forever. We have come to these experiences at a time when we are forming ideas and connections. Yes, HDNA is a temporary space in our lives but its impact will continue to resonate long after we stop being youth.

I encourage all of you to take time this sukkot to sit in a physical Sukkah if you have access to one and try to enjoy the metaphysical Sukkot in your lives.