Sukkot & Simchat Torah

by Heather Kartzinel

“Mark, on the fifteenth day of the seventh month, when you have gathered in the yield of your land, you shall observe the festival of the Lord to last seven days: a complete rest on the first day, and a complete rest on the eighth day. On the first day you shall take the product of the hadar trees, branches of the palm trees, boughs of leafy trees, and willows of the brook, and you shall rejoice before the Lord your God seven days. … You shall live in booths seven days; all citizens in Israel shall live in booths, in order that future generations may know that I made the Israelite people live in booths when I brought them out of the land of Egypt, I am the Lord your God. So Moses declared to the Israelites the set times of the Lord.” (Lev 23:39-43)

Five days after Yom Kippur, Jews across the world celebrate Hag Ha’asif, “the holiday of the ingathering” of the harvest. This fall festival dates back to ancient times, most likely stemming from the close of the agricultural year when farmers reaped the bounty of their labors by physically gathering seasonal fruit and spiritually thanking God for their plenty. The booths that farmers dwelled in for protection against wild beasts transformed over time to also signify the tents and other fragile shelters that the Hebrews inhabited on their lengthy journey in the wilderness. We now erect similar temporary huts to dwell in for a week, incorporating materials, decorations and rituals that evoke a sense of gratitude towards Nature’s abundance, recognition of our own impermanence and vulnerability, welcoming of strangers, and joy.

Sukkot is a holiday for the entire family! While there is deep meaning to be found in the history and very particular rules with building a sukkah, everyone can participate—from making paper chains and hanging tapestries and fake fruit, to feasting outdoors with friends and neighbors; from shaking the lulav and etrog, to sleeping under the stars that we catches glimpses of through the s’chach roof.

Below are some resources to help cultivate your own family traditions for Sukkot. Also consider joining your TBESOC community in celebration by helping build Sukkah City, attending the BE Sisters event on September 26, and/or attending holiday worship services—all are welcome. Chag Sameach! Happy Holiday!

Sukkot blessings:
https://www.jewfaq.org/sukkotref.htm

DIY building materials, instructions and decorating inspiration:
https://www.butlerboxandstake.com/
https://www.instructables.com/Sukkah-PVC-Freestanding/
https://tinyurl.com/diy-sukkah
https://tinyurl.com/30-minute-sukkah
https://tinyurl.com/sukkah-decorating-ideas

What to do with your etrog after Sukkot:
https://tinyurl.com/PJLibrary-etrog-article

Further reading and reflection:
https://torah.org/holidays/sukkos/