I’ve engaged in genealogical research for over 30 years. My lineage, as is the case with many who are descended from well known rabbinic families (Horowitz, Margulies, Treves, Loew etc) allows me to trace my ancestors’ movement over time, going backwards from Poland through Austria, Bohemia, the Rhineland, Ile De France, Languedoc, Spain, Rome, and ultimately back to Israel. One of the places that several of my ancestors lived, taught and led in was the city of Narbonne in southwestern France.

In my research, I came across some very interesting legends, traditions, and facts. Among the facts I’ve discovered are evidence that members of the family of the Exilarch (leader or Prince of the line of David in the huge Jewish communities in the cities of Sura and Pumpeditha in what is now Iraq) migrated thousands of miles and settled in Narbonne in the early medieval period. Another is that the Frankish siege and reconquest of Narbonne from the Muslim invaders in 752-59 was aided by the city’s Jewish community, who opened the gates and fought inside the city against the besieged Ummayad garrison.

Here’s where it gets interesting. In my research I came across evidence that a Jewish military contingent from Narbonne participated in the siege of Abbasid-held Barcelona in 803. Among the strange circumstances, the assault on the walls was apparently held off until after Rosh Hashanah; The pace of fighting diminished on Shabbat enough to be remarked upon by chroniclers; and the Jews participating in the siege built huts and lean-tos behind the siege lines during the festival of Sukkot.

The implications of this were not lost on me. A Jewish army in the diaspora, observing Jewish holidays during a military campaign, respected by their peers and allies - more than 1200 years ago!

Friends, we're about to celebrate the wonderful festival of Sukkot, at a time where it seems the battles are never ending. We embrace the fragility of our existence in the thin walled huts where we eat, drink and share wisdom. We take hold of the beautiful symbolism of our traditions we say blessings on and wave the lulav and etrog. We do all this because it is a part of our unbroken legacy of Torah, tradition, celebration and learning - and also because we like big festive meals.

We don’t ignore the challenges, the battles, the persecution, or even the physical danger that seems to lurk in every shadow these days. We fight. But we do so while at the very same time upholding, celebrating our tradition, taking pride in our identity, and shaping our lives by the moral framework outlined in our most ancient and sacred texts. We can do both. We must do both.

On this holiday, let’s build our sukkot on the battlefield, and celebrate within. Chag Sameach!