Following on the heels of Yom Kippur, the eight day festival of Sukkot is a welcome break from Yom Kippur’s heavy mood of introspection and soul searching. Many mitzvot are associated with Sukkot. The sukkah itself and the gathering of the lulav and etrog are undoubtedly the most recognizable of the mitzvot. But one mitzvah stands out above the others, the mitzvah (literally ‘commandment’) of being happy.

The rabbis called Sukkot, ‘zman simhateinu,’ ‘the season of our rejoicing.’ Through eating, entertaining, singing and dancing the festival can indeed take on a spirit of joy and celebration. Feeling a sense of renewal and hope from the Yamim Noraim (Days of Awe), we grant ourselves the pleasures of the outdoors and of relaxation. Lest we take this self indulgence too far, our reading from the Book of Kohelet (Ecclesiastes) reminds us of the temporal nature of this celebration. Ultimately, Sukkot provides many rich opportunities to enjoy the blessings of life while maintaining a keen awareness of its fleeting nature.

Rejoicing

Shemini Atzeret and Simhat Torah, originally the climax and grand finale of the Sukkot celebration, are now distinguished by their emphasis on the Torah. After studying the Torah, one immediately realizes that it is a great gift and treasure of our people. Therefore, Shemini Atzeret and Simhat Torah are designated as the time when the community gathers to celebrate the completion of the annual Torah reading cycle and the transition from the end of the book Devarim (Deuteronomy) to the beginning of Beresheet (Genesis). The celebration includes prayer, song, and dance. Both the young and the old will dance around and embrace the Torah to show their love and appreciation for the gift of its teachings.

In the home, Shemini Atzeret and Simhat Torah are marked by the usual rituals of Kiddush, candlelighting, etc., and by the prohibition on working. Again, it is an excellent opportunity for the family to gather and celebrate the teachings and ideals of the Torah before gathering with the community for a largescale celebration.

Additional Resources:

Home Service for Erev Sukkot

MyJewishLearning.com - Gateway to Jewish Exploration

JewishEncyclopedia.com - Online Jewish Encyclopedia

Coalition on the Environment and Jewish Life

Celebrate Sukkot at Adath's Sukkot Open House - October 19

The beautiful fall holiday of Sukkot is a time for celebration and reflection on the blessings of warm home and sustaining community. Be sure to make an opportunity to spend time in a sukkah over the course of the holiday. The synagogue’s sukkah will be open all week. Adath members in a variety of neighborhoods host Sukkot open houses for friends, neighbors, family and the community. Don’t be shy! Call the synagogue to be included in a Sukkot open house.

Havaya L’dor V’dor Intergenerational Sukkot
Wednesday, October 15 at 10:00 am

Children in K-4th grade and their parents or grandparents are invited to this hands-on program that creates special family memories around Jewish holidays. We will enjoy an intergenerational activity from 10:00-11:15 am, and then join the rest of the congregation for the end of the festival service and Kiddush in the sukkah.