September 2002 - אֱלוּל תשס״ב .. תִּשְּׁרֵי תשס״ג Elul 5762..Tishrei 5763

Build a Sukkah

It is traditional, that before one breaks the Yom Kippur fast, the first nail building the sukkah is to be driven. This is a great year to build a sukkah, as we acknowledge the fragility of our existence in the wake of September 11th and the continued suicide bombings in Israel. The sukkah is a symbol of our persistence (forty years of wandering in the desert) and our trust in God (living exposed with nature). The sukkah does not have to be elaborate but one should decorate it to enhance the mitzvah.

A sukkah must have four, three or two and a half walls. An easy way to remember this halakhah is to imagine the Hebrew letters of the word סכּה, sukkah. The samakh (ס) is enclosed on four sides; the kaf (כּ) has three sides and the hei (ה) is two and a half sides. The roof covered with branches must allow someone to see the stars but also block at least half of the sunlight from coming in. Decorate the walls and roof with hanging fruits, vegetables and gourds. Some people hang ‘sukkah lights’ for both beauty and the practicality of seeing at night. Place a table and chairs in the sukkah and eat your meals there. And for the adventurous at heart, sleep a night or two under the stars.

During Sukkot it is our tradition at Temple Beth Sholom to have the Sukkot/Shabbat morning worship outside in the congregation's sukkah. The first night of Sukkot/Shabbat, September 20th, is a family service beginning at 6:30 PM followed by an oneg outside in the sukkah. This year the outdoors worship will be on the first day (September 21st) and the eighth day (September 28th), Shemini Atzeret, which includes Yizkor.

Sukkot is a wonderful holiday to be observed and enjoyed by young and older. Chag Samayakh.

Simchat Torah Parades - September 28th, 7:00 PM

The half-hour longer Rosh HaShanah service due to it falling on Shabbat is rewarded by Simchat Torah falling on Motzei Shabbat, Saturday evening, September 28th beginning at 7:00 PM. This means that everyone, young and older, can come and celebrate the Torah by joining in the parades and dancing with the Torah, enjoying the singing and musical instruments played by the celebrants. Adults are encouraged to bring wrapped small candy to distribute to the younger marchers circling the sanctuary. Youngsters are encouraged to bring bags.

The festivities begin with a Simchat Torah potluck dinner coordinated by the Sisterhood. The dinner begins at 6:00 PM. Watch for a Sisterhood flyer with the details.

The highlight of the evening is when Rabbi Manhoff and Cantor Hirschhorn unroll the Torah around the sanctuary as it is held up by young and older. The rabbi and cantor point out the high and low points of our earliest history. Then the cantor will chant the last verses of Deuteronomy and before she takes another breath she sprints across the sanctuary and chants the first verse of Genesis. In this way, we never finish reading the Torah.

The singing and dancing is not only the most appropriate way to celebrate Simchat Torah, it is just plain fun. Join us for the festivities!

—Rabbi Harry A. Manhoff, Ph.D.

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