Personal Reflections on Gratitude During Sukkot

I have to be honest. Most of the time, writing comes easily to me; words flow like a steady stream, but every once in a while, that flow turns into a leaky faucet. A drop comes out once in a while, in a slow, unpredictable pattern that drives me nuts. Which is the exact predicament I found myself in this week. There I sat, staring at a blank screen, hoping the words would magically appear —but no such luck. Thus, to remedy the situation, I decided to step back, breathe, and simply write about what I am grateful for. After all, we are amid Sukkot, a holiday with gratitude as one of its central themes. But before sharing personal reflections, here is a short but sweet overview of Sukkot.

Sukkot is an ancient, Torah commanded celebration that offers powerful lessons for the modern day. The basis for the seven-day holiday is the Israelites’ forty-year journey through the desert following their Exodus from Egypt. During this period, God commanded them to live in small, temporary huts called sukkot. Important themes include community (gathering in the sukkah), celebrating the seasons (the fall harvest), and Gratitude for God’s protection (while living in fragile, temporary dwellings). Now, with that in mind, I’d like to share what I am grateful for this Sukkot.

I would love to have my own Sukkah in our backyard, but there is one rather significant problem. Our yard is literally a hill. Building a Sukkah could result in the structure and its occupants tumbling over, which would put a damper on the celebrations. So, I have to put that dream on the back burner for a while. But I am grateful to have a synagogue where I can go and participate in Sukkot festivities and gather in a sukkah. What’s more, I am grateful for the opportunity to attend and feel safe. With all of the anti-Semitism in the world right now, there are so many who don’t have the comfort of attending their synagogues safely. I pray there is an end to this very soon. I am also grateful for the continued opportunities for study through my synagogue, opportunities that are not available to everyone throughout the world, to this day.

I am also grateful for Shabbat. Over the past year, I’ve written frequently on my love of the Sabbath, a love that’s only intensified since beginning my Jewish journey. Whenever I’ve had the time, I have completely immersed myself in every detail. The meditative and prayerful process of baking Challah and preparing Shabbat dinner. I love the time of study, relaxation, unplugging, and spending time with the ones I love. But, until recently, having that time wasn’t always guaranteed. All that has changed. A long-time prayer has been answered, and I now have a schedule that allows me to experience Shabbat to the fullest, and I am so grateful for that. In some ways, the parallels between Sukkot and Shabbat are uncanny; they both share a lesson about cherishing each moment of life and spending time with those we love.

In addition, I am so grateful for this column. Over the past year or so, I have loved the opportunity to share this personal journey that is so close to my heart. Each story comes from an overwhelming desire to celebrate everything about Judaism. I am far from an expert, but if I can bring joy and uplift while being a source for seekers, I am a happy girl. Thank you so much, dear readers. As we make our way through the new year, may we continue the spirit of Sukkot each day through its lessons of joy and gratitude. Shalom, friends!

Are you interested reading more from the Joyful Jew?

https://www.patheos.com/blogs/joyfullyjewish/2025/06/finding-joy-in-the-silence-thoughts-for-a-peaceful-week/