Building a Sukkah
Jewish Tradition does not require
that we build a sukkah, merely
that we dwell in one. It’s as if
our sages anticipated the pre-fabricated
sukkot we now have, which allow those of
us who are not handy to have sukkot of
our own, too. And while we are not
obligated to decorate our sukkot, the
concept of hiddur mitzvah—making a
mitzvah as beautiful and artful as
possible—persuades us to decorate our
sukkah, making even mass-produced sukkot
truly our own, a reflection of who we
are and what we believe in.
Meditation
May this sukkah reflect the
uniqueness of my family and friends. As
the light of the stars shine through the
skhakh, illuminating us as we celebrate
this holy time, so may the light of our
hearts, minds, and creative talents
shine out through the sukkah walls,
illuminating all who pass by.
Ritual
Before constructing and decorating
the sukkah, gather those who participate
and invite them to imagine a vision of
what the sukkah might look like. It
might be an image or place—like Paradise
or Jerusalem—but it could also be a
theme—like the bountiful harvest, or the
faces of our ancestors. Agree on a plan
that can synthesize various visions, and
get to work!
Blessing
Creator of our boundlessly beautiful
universe, grant us the creativity, care
and talent to create this sukkah for the
sake of sanctifying your name and
beautifying your mitzvot.
Barukh atah chonen hada’at
Blessed are You who grants us wisdom
Teaching
You shall live in sukkot seven days;
all citizens of Israel shall live in
sukkot, in order that future generations
may know that I made the Israelite
people live in sukkot when I brought
them out of the Land of Egypt. (Leviticus
23:42-43)
I have singled out Bezalel …I have
endowed him with a divine spirit of
skill, ability and knowledge of every
craft…And I have assigned to him
Oholiav…and I have also granted skill to
all who are skillful, so that they may
make everything that I have commanded
you. (Exodus 31:1-3, 6)
(CLAL Faculty) |
