But also, as we sit in our succah we can be reminded that today, shelter is a major concern for much of mankind. Urbanization is occurring at a fantastic rate, most rapidly in Africa where rural life is no longer profitable or safe. Even a wonderful private program like Habitat for Humanity, which Jimmy and Rosalyn Carter promote, has built only 13,000 houses in Africa in 25 years, noble but only a tiny scratch upon the surface of the problem. Water also plays a special role in the rituals of Succot. It is the only festival where water as well as wine libations are emphasized.
Water is one of the most intractable and difficult issues in the Middle East peace process.
Worldwide, some eighty nations are experiencing shortages of water sufficient to endanger food supplies, health and political stability. In the UN members spend a great deal of time arguing over whether people should have a right to shelter, or for that matter a right to food, to health and development. One might think this a rather esoteric argument. But it is a reflection of our deeper lack of consensus on how to solve these enormous problems of inequality in the world. There is no consensus, indeed some sharp controversy.