From the Sukkah to the Voting Booth: A Reform Jewish Call to Action

As we celebrate the joyous holiday of Sukkot and approach election day, we are reminded of the importance of shelter, community, and social justice. The sukkahsukkahסֻכָּה"Booth" or "hut;" temporary structure associated with the agricultural festival of Sukkot; plural: sukkot. , a temporary dwelling, symbolizes our vulnerability and dependence on others. It's a powerful metaphor for the interconnectedness of our society and the impact of our actions on our broader community.

As Reform Jews, we are taught that our actions can bring about tikkun olamtikkun olamתִּקּוּן עוֹלָם"Repair of the world;" Jewish concept that it is our responsibility to partner with God to improve the world. A mystical concept of restoration of God's holiest Name to itself and the repair of a shattered world. Often refers to social action and social justice. , repair of the world. One crucial way to do so is by exercising our right to vote - and there is no better time than now to engage in this vital democratic process. By casting our ballots, we shape the policies and leaders that impact our communities and society as a whole.

This Sukkot, let us remember that the values we cherish - justice, equality, and compassion - are not just abstract concepts, but concrete actions in which we can participate. From the sukkah to the voting booth, we can make a difference.

Sukkot reminds me of the teaching from Rabbi Hillel: "Do not separate yourself from the community" (Pirkei Avot 2:5). When we build and dwell in our sukkot, we live out this teaching by inviting our entire community to dwell (or at least eat an oneg cookie!) in the sukkah with us.

I also acted on this teaching when I recently traveled with RAC-IL (one of the geographic hubs of the Union for Reform Judaism's Religious Action Center) to Racine, WI to help educate voters and ensure that they could overcome barriers to the ballot this year. We were paired with another member of RAC-IL, as well as a local volunteer from Racine who helped us to navigate the new neighborhood. While volunteering, I had the opportunity to go door to door and meet some of the residents of Racine. There, we discussed whether they were registered to vote, if they knew where their polling place was, and provided information about an amendment on the ballot that seeks to restrict the types of identification that can be provided for proof of identification. The voters we spoke to were generous and welcoming, just as we are when we invite guests into the sukkah.

Both the sukkah and the voting booth are temporary places, meant to exist only for a short amount of time, both powerful symbols of communal responsibility. Just as easily as they are put up, they can be blown over by the changing winds. As we dwell in the sukkah, let us remember that our votes are a powerful tool for tikkun olam. Let us march from the sukkah to the voting booth, carrying the values of justice, equality, and compassion with us.

Together, we can build a more just and compassionate society, one vote at a time.

Let us make our voices heard! Find your opportunity to contact voters this election season with the Reform Movement's Every Voice, Every Vote Campaign.