Sukkot is a wonderful holiday. It commemorates the 40 years of wandering that the Jewish people endured as they traveled across the Sinai desert. In modern times, we recreate it by building temporary dwellings called Sukkahs which we use for a week of feasting and fun.

The annual ritual always reminds me of the many blessings in my life: family, friends, faith, and food. Sitting comfortably in a beautifully decorated hut while sharing an elaborate dinner is a true joy! It’s hard to be sad with such abundance all around. Most of us have so much and we don’t even realize it…

But what about those who are less fortunate? Instead of celebrating, they are struggling, not for luxury but for basics. There is no feast for them, maybe no food at all! Those of us who are in a position to help—and most of us are—need to think about others. In Biblical times, hungry people were fed through gleaning (collecting leftover crops from fields after the  harvest). Today, gleaning is rare, but food pantries are everywhere. 

Food is a universal need all humans share. In America, it’s almost impossible to die from starvation, but it’s common to be under-nourished. During Sukkot, as we feast, we must remember the hungry and try to alleviate their pain. If you’re able, set aside a box of cans, dry goods, and anything else you can spare. Find a local charity and donate today.