After the Storm: To Build a Sukkah or Not?

In her deeply personal reflection, a Jewish woman from Asheville, North Carolina, wrestled with the decision to build a sukkah after Hurricane Helene devastated her city. The sukkah—a temporary dwelling built during the festival of Sukkot—is a symbol of protection, community, and God's presence. Yet, standing amidst fallen trees and damaged homes, she felt it was inappropriate to engage in a symbolic act when so many were facing immediate, real-world needs. She writes, "I couldn’t possibly go buy building materials for a temporary, symbolic dwelling when people desperately need those building materials to repair their actual homes."

The emotional and spiritual tension she described raises a question for all of us, especially as Modern-Day Esthers: What does faith look like in the face of disaster? This struggle between honoring tradition and addressing practical needs resonates beyond just the Jewish community. We, as Christians, may also find ourselves questioning how to act in times of crisis. If a natural disaster strikes and your neighbors’ homes or churches are destroyed, do you still attend Sunday worship, or do you put all your efforts into recovery and aid?

In the same way that the sukkah reminds Jews of their ancestors' vulnerability and God's protection, our acts of worship remind us of our reliance on God. Yet, the question lingers: Do we need symbolic reminders of vulnerability when we are confronted by real suffering every day?

As one of the readers commented, "Even in battle, [Israeli] soldiers pause to build sukkahs... because they remember and keep their faith." This speaks to the enduring power of spiritual practices, even in the harshest of conditions. These traditions aren’t just symbols, but acts of faith that fuel our resolve to rebuild and care for those around us.

Perhaps, as the author suggests, there are times when not building is also an act of faith—choosing instead to channel all resources toward caring for others, reflecting the principle of pikuach nefesh, the Jewish commandment to prioritize the preservation of life.

While we may not always have the answers, as Modern-Day Esthers, we are called to prayerfully consider how to navigate the tension between spiritual observance and practical service. Whether through prayer, physical help, or symbolic acts, we seek to serve God and our communities in times of need.

As we continue to reflect on these questions, we hold in prayer all those impacted by Hurricane Helene, asking God for peace, protection, and restoration for those still recovering from the storm.