The origins of Sukkot are found in an ancient autumnal harvest festival. Indeed it is often referred to as chag ha-asif, “The Harvest Festival.” Much of the imagery and ritual of the holiday revolves around rejoicing and thanking God for the completed harvest. The Sukkah structure represent the huts that farmers lived in during the last hectic period of harvest before the coming of the winter rains.
The enforced simplicity of eating and perhaps also living in a temporary shelter focuses our minds on the important basics in life that we often take for granted — food and shelter — and divorces us from the material possessions and complexities of the modern world that dominate so many of our lives. Even so, Sukkot is a joyful holiday and is justifiably referred to as zeman simchateynu, the “season of our joy.”
The Coalition will be hosting the holiday at a member’s home. All Covid guidelines — social distancing, masks, hand sanitizers (and no food), etc. will be strictly observed to ensure community health and safety. Please contact our administrator if you are interested in attending or would like more information. Join us!