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Shana tova! Happy New Year! At Ta’amod, we have been thinking about the lessons of the upcoming, often under-recognized Jewish holiday of Sukkot. Known as the Feast of Tabernacles or Holiday of Booths, Sukkot lasts for a week and is celebrated by constructing a temporary hut-like structure called a sukkah and “dwelling” in it by having meals or even sleeping there!
This holiday holds deep symbolic meaning and is chock-full of important lessons that can be applied in both our daily lives and in our workplaces. Here are a few that feel particularly resonant this year:
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Inclusion - On Sukkot, there is a particular emphasis on welcoming guests to join in the celebration, teaching us to embrace the power of hospitality and inclusion. Likewise, it is critical for us to welcome all and foster a sense of community in our organizational culture. Sukkot reminds us to go out of our way to create an environment where everyone feels safe, valued, and invited to participate, regardless of their background or beliefs.
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Flexibility - The sukkah's temporary nature teaches us to remain open to change so we can adapt and thrive in the face of uncertainty. There are also many communities that create their sukkot from unconventional materials, demonstrating creativity and openness to new possibilities! Workplaces that embrace innovation and remain flexible are far more likely to succeed.
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Community - Finally, Sukkot reminds us of the significance of community. The holiday is typically celebrated with family and friends who gather in the sukkah to share meals and spend time together. This communal aspect highlights the idea that practicing our values, in our lives and our workplaces, is both easier and more meaningful when surrounded by a supportive community. We cannot do this work alone!
Creating healthy and equitable workplaces can seem like a heavy lift and requires us to truly embody Sukkot’s messages of inclusion, flexibility, and community. It is also absolutely imperative to the health and success of the spaces and organizations we hold most dear. At Ta’amod, we’re here to support you through it. Reach out to us today to take the first step!
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