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I hope this message finds you well. And that you had a meaningful Yom Kippur. This week at our Hebrew School, our students reflected on their Yom Kippur experiences, sharing insights into the significance of this sacred day, including the themes of forgiveness, self-reflection, and atonement.
As we transition from Yom Kippur, we now turn our attention to Sukkot, one of the most joyous festivals in the Jewish calendar. Sukkot, also known as the Festival of Booths, begins this Friday evening and continues for seven days.
Sukkot commemorates the time when the Israelites wandered in the desert and lived in temporary shelters, or sukkahs, during their journey to the Promised Land. To honor this tradition, Jewish families build sukkahs in their backyards or community spaces. These sukkahs are temporary structures with walls made of natural materials like branches and a roof made of leafy branches or S’chach enough that you can see the stars at night through them..
The Four Species אַרְבַּעַת הַמִּינִים:
During Sukkot, we use the "Four Species - אַרְבַּעַת הַמִּינִים in a special ritual. Each of these components carries a symbolic meaning:
- Lulav לוּלָב (Palm Branch): Represents the spine, symbolizing our strength and resilience.
- Etrog אֶתְרוֹג (Citron Fruit): Symbolizes the heart and our emotions, representing the importance of feelings in our spiritual lives.
- Hadas הֲדַס (Myrtle Branches): Signifies the eyes, reminding us to have a clear and focused vision in our pursuit of goodness.
- Aravah עֲרָבָה (Willow Branches): Represents the lips, reminding us to speak words of kindness and praise.
Hospitality הַכְנָסַת אוֹרְחִים - Welcoming Guests:
One of the beautiful customs of Sukkot is the tradition of hospitality. Families open their sukkahs and hearts to guests, including friends, family, and even strangers. It's a time when the sukkah becomes a symbol of unity and inclusivity, embodying the Jewish value of "Hachnasat Orchim הַכְנָסַת אוֹרְחִים” (welcoming guests). Sharing meals in the sukkah fosters a sense of community, warmth, and gratitude.
Ushpizim and Ushpizot - Honored Guests:
Another significant Sukkot tradition is the concept of "Ushpizim" and "Ushpizot." These are the honored guests we symbolically invite into our sukkah, representing biblical figures who embody specific values and qualities.
Throughout the seven days of Sukkot, we welcome seven Biblical Guests, Ushpizim & Ushpizot:
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