BY BEVERLY STEIN

As the festival of Sukkot arrives, Jewish communities around the world gather beneath the delicate coverings of the sukkah—temporary structures that invite the elements and open us to the vastness of the sky. These humble dwellings, intentionally fragile and exposed, serve as symbols of vulnerability. Yet within their walls, we find joy, connection, spiritual comfort and strength.

This paradox—strength emerging from fragility—beautifully reflects the heart of our Federation’s mission. In a world often shaped by uncertainty and upheaval, our community has become a sukkat shalom, a shelter of peace. We have stood together through crises, offered solace in times of need, and built bridges across generations, cultures, and backgrounds.

Though our Federation is not constructed from bricks and mortar, it is held together by something far more enduring: the steadfast commitment of individuals who show up for one another. Sukkot reminds us that resilience is not a solitary pursuit. It is cultivated through shared purpose and mutual care.

When we gather beneath the sukkah’s leafy roof and say, “You belong here,” we affirm the power of inclusion. This spirit has guided our efforts to reach those who have felt unseen, to elevate emerging voices in leadership, and to strengthen bonds with Jewish communities across the globe.

This year, as we gather in our sukkah, we are reminded not only of the physical shelter but of the sacred emotional and spiritual space we build for one another. From advancing security efforts to protect our community amid growing antisemitism, to fostering meaningful connections with Jewish, interfaith, and civic leadership through the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC), and reinforcing our bonds with Israel and the global Jewish family—each action reflects the enduring power of our shared dedication.

And it’s not just in times of crisis that our Federation shines. It’s in the everyday acts of kindness: volunteers who pack and deliver UJF Dignity Grows bags for those in need, teens engaging in the Kuriansky Teen Leadership Institute, and donors investing in the future of Jewish life through Life & Legacy. These efforts, often quiet and unseen, form the beams and branches of our communal sukkah.

Sukkot invites us to celebrate what we’ve built together. It calls us to embrace the beauty of our shared vulnerability and the resilience that blossoms from unity. It challenges us to continue being a shelter—not just for ourselves, but for all who seek belonging, dignity, and hope.

Let this Sukkot be more than a celebration—let it be a commitment. A commitment to show up, to reach out, and to build a shelter of peace for all who seek it. In our shared vulnerability, we find strength.  And in our collective strength, we discover the power to uplift, protect, and transform lives. As One, we can build a stronger Jewish community.

Chag Sameach!