From Rosh Hashanah to Sukkot: a poem

Sound of a shofar stirs a soul
Honey activates taste buds
Verbalized wishes for a sweet New year
Health happiness success blessings

Helping to decorate a traditional sukkah
Artwork constructed at school
Citron, palm leaf, harvest produce
Silver mobile hanging from beams of a roof

Month of holiday spirit
Penitence and a fast
Seven days of tabernacles
Jubilation and Torah dances

Memories of celebrations
Occupying charts in my brain
Treasures conserved for eternity
Impressions of childhood days

Teenagers expanding responsibilities
Dressed for prayers celebrations
Ring of commitment accepted
New generations entering a sukkah

Time to enjoy an expanded table
Three generations gathered for meals
New heaven lights added convenience
Spirit of elders enhancing space

Wine, cake, Kiddush prayer
Au-revoir with tear filled eyes
Realities of life on the horizon
Expectation of Chanukah lights

Hallmarks of observance
Program our daily lives
May the Almighty grant us
Presence of mind to persevere

Dr. David B. Chideckel is a psychiatrist in private practice based in Woodmere.