When we sit in the sukkah, we have no protection from the sun, the wind, the heat or the cold. Our Sages encourage us to leave the sukkah to escape a driving rain, and we are wise to do so. But far too many people in our world do not have dry warm-in-winter, cool-in-summer homes to which they can retreat.
The sukkah teaches us to feel the pain of these people and care for them.
Today, untold thousands are fleeing Syria in fear of their lives. Germany is opening its doors. Israel is not.
Yes, I know the dangers and the problems, but Israel should be up to the challenge especially when the reward is the saving of many lives.
What a powerful message to the world Israel could send about its values an ideals by taking in—after appropriate vetting—a number of those fleeing for their lives from an enemy country.
More than any other commandment, the Torah emphasises our obligation to care for and protect the stranger. I am sad that Israel seems to be forgetting this cardinal principle of its heritage.
ופרוס עלינו סוכת שלומיך — Spread over us the sukkah of Your Peace!
