Shabbat Gathering: What to know about a sukkah.

Gud Shabbos Khaveyrim, as is our custom, we will gather tonight at 5.45p ct to welcome Shabbat. These are the coordinates:

Zoom
Meeting ID: 883 8469 4181
Password: 822665
Phone: +1 312 626 6799

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Here we go.

But wait, the holy days aren’t over. We still have Sukkot. In contrast to the fasting of Yom Kippur, Sukkot is a time of feasting. Among other things, we observe Sukkot by building a fragile hut that remind us of how we labored in the fields bringing in the harvest. As it seems with most Jewish traditions, there are lots of different rules we either observe or blithely ignore. Here are some random rules about a sukkah.

- There isn’t an “official” design for a sukkah, but it is an improvised structure that shouldn’t be too tall. According to Sefaria, a sukkah can’t be taller than 30 to 35 feet.

- The sukkah has a roof made from s’chlach, natural materials grown from the earth such as branches and tree limbs. Ideally, the s’chlach isn’t so dense as to keep out the rain or prevent the occupant from seeing the stars. Therefore, one builds a sukkah out in the open, not under a tree or a neighbor’s balcony.

- The sukkah is like a canvas children can decorate with paper chains and fruits and vegetables.

- If one is in the sukkah and it starts to rain, one is allowed to go inside to stay dry.

- Nevertheless, one is supposed to treat the sukkah as if it is a home.

- Technically, the sukkah can have a minimum of three walls, in keeping with its open structure.

- According to Chabbad, a sukkah can be built on a wagon or a boat or even a camel!

Last year, in the community where I live, my neighbors and I built a sukkah from materials one of us keeps in their basement. We had several meals in the sukkah and had a great time. Our synagogue organizes a “sukkah hop,” a progressive dinner. I haven’t attended one yet, but plan to change that this year.

And may it be for all of us a blessing.

See you tonight!
Mit vareme grusn,
(With warm regards,)

All my love,
brian.

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