Dear Jido,
For many years, our sukkah has been the heart of our family’s yom tov celebrations. We have always cherished filling our sukkah with children, grandchildren, relatives, and guests. And the warmth and joy of having everyone together means a great deal to us. But as our family has grown, what was once manageable has become increasingly overwhelming. Each year, more people are expected, and some relatives casually announce that they are bringing additional guests without asking first, leaving us scrambling to find space, seating, and enough food. We want to continue fulfilling the mitzvah of hachnasat orchim and preserving the family tradition that everyone loves. But the physical, financial, and emotional burden is becoming difficult to bear. How can we establish reasonable boundaries without hurting feelings, damaging family relationships, or appearing less welcoming than we have always tried to be?
Signed,
Maxed Out
Dear Maxed Out,
On Sukkot we are commanded to be Ach Sameach. Very happy!
So, start it off with a HAPPY invite that has a hidden message that lets you juggle the attendance without hurting feelings.
Hi family and friends,
No, we’re not offering you a free Rolex, but we are extending our invitation to you for fun, food, family, sukkah, pizmonim, parasha lessons from the kids, and lots more.
Only eighteen (or 24 or 30) reservations are available for each meal. We are currently taking reservations for Friday night, Shabbat lunch, Saturday night, and Sunday lunch. (We’ll let you know later about hol ha’moed.)
Be sure to be the first to register for the meal of your choice! Call or text me. You know the number.
Hopefully, they’ll get the hint.
If not, maybe that’s what Hashem means by ACCHHH! Sameach.
Jido