Sukkot and the Jewish Experience with Rabbi Mark Wildes

Sukkot may be one of Judaism’s most mysterious holidays. We leave the security of our homes for a temporary structure, welcome guests around the table, and are reminded that permanence may be more illusion than reality. Rabbi Mark Wildes joins Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove and Jon Frankel to unpack those ideas—and a particularly moving interpretation of the ushpizin: the biblical figures welcomed into the sukkah who lived in pursuit of dreams they themselves never saw fulfilled.For Wildes, welcoming people in is more than a Sukkot tradition—it has defined his life’s work. Inspired by a mother who taught her children to notice newcomers at synagogue and invite them home for Shabbat, Wildes went on to found Manhattan Jewish Experience, creating a place for Jews who may feel disconnected, intimidated, or unsure where they belong. He explains why warmth can bring someone through the door, but substance is what keeps them there.The conversation also explores Wildes’ book, The Jewish Experience: Discovering the Soul of Jewish Thought and Practice, and the renewed search for Jewish meaning following October 7. Wildes describes seeing more people walk through his doors asking fundamental questions: What does it mean to be Jewish? What do Jews believe about God and Torah? Why do we pray? For Wildes, the challenge—and opportunity—is not simply getting people interested in Judaism, but helping them discover that the tradition was theirs all along. Rabbi Mark Wildes:https://www.markwildes.com/https://www.jewishexperience.org/our-teamThe Jewish Experience: Discovering the Soul of Jewish Thought and Practice:https://www.amazon.com/dp/159264712X?lv=shuf&channelId=500&plpRedirect=mhFallback Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove:https://www.instagram.com/elliot_cosgrovehttps://x.com/RabbiCosgrovePark Avenue Synagogue: https://www.pasyn.orghttps://www.instagram.com/parkavenuesyn/#Jon Frankel:https://www.instagram.com/skifrankel Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.