Holocaust survivors and their relatives and caregivers celebrated the joyous holiday of Sukkot together at a festive luncheon on Tuesday October 22nd at Westchester Reform Temple in Scarsdale. “Having just gone through the high holidays and that extended period of teshuva (repentance) and introspection that comes with it, we now celebrate,” said Allison Danzig, Coordinator of WJCS Holocaust Support Services, as she welcomed more than 70 guests to the event. “This is a time for showing appreciation to others and for all the good around us. It is a time of Thanksgiving and harvest, and a time to begin moving forward into a new year filled with good health and happiness. Being together to start this New Year is the best way to welcome it and begin the year with hope and intentions for a joyous year.”
The holiday of Sukkot, a time of joy, poses a particular challenge this year, said Danzig, as it follows a period of tremendous pain and suffering in Israel that began last year on October 7th. WJCS CEO Seth Diamond spoke to the audience of Holocaust survivors, emphasizing that each of their lives is a testament to strength and hope. “The festival of Sukkot reminds us of the fragility of life and the strength that comes from community. The sukkah itself, with its open walls and temporary nature, symbolizes both the vulnerability we’ve all faced and the resilience we’ve shown in the face of unimaginable challenges. For each of you, as survivors, your lives are the embodiment of that resilience that continues to guide and inspire us today.”
Other speakers included New York State Senator Shelley B. Mayor, who read a moving prayer, and Michael Elkin, Chief Operating Officer at Claims Conference. Cantor Isaac Sonett-Assor, accompanied by Nadav and Oren on instruments, filled the day with song and music, as guests joined hands and danced the hora.
WJCS hosted the celebration in partnership with UJA-Federation of NY, Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany, and Westchester Reform Temple. The delicious luncheon was catered by Seasons in Scarsdale.
