During the holiday of Sukkot it is customary to read the Book of Kohelet. For many this is a confusing book. Is it a pessimistic view of human life or is it an affirmation of life? The author, who tradition assigns to King Solomon, speaks of nothing being new under the sun and that all life is vanity. The author notes that evil people prosper and the innocent can suffer. Everything in the world is set and runs in cycles; there is a time for everything. Those who are wise and those who are fools confront the same fate.

For many, it feels as if we are living in a Kohelet moment. Among many of our national and global challenges, Democracy seems to be under siege and globally we see the rise of authoritarian governments. There is a time for everything - a time to break, a time to kill, a time for war, a time to lose, a time to rend, a time to hate - and we humans seem fated to constantly repeat these failings just as Kohelet noted.

But the author also speaks of a time for healing, a time to build up, a time to speak, a time for peace, a time for love.

Can both types of circumstances coexist at the same time? Even in times of darkness there can be light, hope and goodness.

While I am one who is concerned about the future of our democracy, the state of our country, and the breakdown of values and standards, I am also heartened by the good people who stand up for what is right and serve as role models for what can be. On that note, I would like to highlight two of my unlikely heroes.

Liz Cheney has become one of my unlikely heroes. At a time when it appears very few politicians put what is right over personal gain and power, in my opinion, Liz Cheney has been a model of courage and leadership. She has put the country ahead of party and politics and has stood firm, even if it meant losing her seat in government (which it did). She has unwaveringly stood up to greater powers and has demonstrated to the country what leadership looks like. Even though I don’t agree with many of her political views, I deeply admire her integrity and her commitment to do what is right at personal risk. This is what it means to demonstrate courage and leadership. She is a light in the darkness of the state of our current political affairs. We need more courageous leaders who put country and integrity ahead of personal power and gain.

I am not a baseball fan, and barely follow the sport, but Aaron Judge is my other new unlikely hero. Whether you think he is the new home run champ or it is still Barry Bonds, Aaron Judge gets my vote because he came by it honestly and with integrity - he will need no asterisks next to his name for taking illegal steroids. In addition to his athletic prowess, Aaron Judge is known for his humility and family values. As he rounded the bases after hitting his record-breaking 62nd home run, instead of playing to the crowds and drawing attention to himself, he pointed his finger up to God, then looked down as he crossed home plate. At that point he could have taken in all of the glory, but instead he went to his teammates and embraced each of them. When interviewed after breaking the homerun record he spoke of the support of his teammates and family. He also spoke about the beautiful support and encouragement he received from Roger Maris’ family - whose record he had just broken. His humility was visible for all to see. He is a hero because we need heroes in sports for our children to see and he shines with his integrity and authenticity.

For me, Liz Cheney and Aaron Judge remind us that even though the news is filled with people who seem to fall well short of expectations, integrity, and wisdom, these two, along with many others, strive to do the right and good things without fanfare or recognition. These are the people that represent the good in the world.

So why read Kohelet during the most joyous holiday of the year? Perhaps to remind us that all of life is fragile, just as the Sukkah is fragile. At one moment all can be good and in another moment, just as the Sukkah can topple from the elements, so can our lives be turned upside down.

In the end, the author of Kohelet finds his answer to a life filled with contradictions. While there may be nothing new under the sun, and human history and nature are destined to move in cycles, we still can find what makes life worth living. For Kohelet, and by extension, the instruction to us, is to find wisdom in the study of Torah and following God’s ways. This pursuit brings purpose to life by challenging us all to strive to do the right thing, bring good to the world, and yes, enjoy the gifts that God provides in this world - to eat and drink and rejoice. For me, rejoicing includes celebrating the good people in this world who serve as role models for our children and adults alike. At least during Sukkot, this time of z'man simhateinu (the time of our rejoicing), I choose to focus on the light in this world!