Celebrating Sukkot Together - 10/1/25

This coming Monday evening, October 6, we enter the holiday of Sukkot, also called Z’man Simchateinu—the Season of Our Joy. Sukkot is rooted deeply in our tradition. The Torah commands us to dwell in booths for seven days as a reminder of the fragile shelters in which our ancestors lived during the wilderness journey (Leviticus 23:42–43). It is also described as an agricultural festival, marking the ingathering of the harvest (Exodus 23:16; Deuteronomy 16:13–15).

The sukkah itself is full of symbolism. Its temporary roof of branches, open to the sky, teaches us about vulnerability and trust—how little protection we sometimes have, and how much we depend on the support of community and the rhythms of the natural world. At the same time, sitting in the sukkah reminds us of abundance: the shelter of tradition, the bonds of family and friends, and the harvest gathered in this season.

A beautiful Sukkot tradition is ushpizim, the welcoming of honored guests into our sukkah. Traditionally, figures from our biblical past are invited symbolically each night—Abraham, Sarah, Miriam, Moses, and others. Today, we extend that spirit by welcoming friends, family, and neighbors, remembering that hospitality itself is a sacred act.

Sukkot also encourages us to step outside and spend time in nature. The sukkah opens us to the changing weather and shifting light, reminding us of the season and the world beyond our walls. Some even choose to sleep in the sukkah, experiencing the holiday in a fuller way.

This year, Beth Hillel Temple will come together in joyful community:

●     Sunday, October 5 – Bet Safer Beth Hillel students will decorate the sukkah. The Talmud teaches, “It is a mitzvah to beautify the sukkah” (Sukkah 11b), reminding us that adorning the sukkah with care is itself an act of holiness.

●     Monday, October 6 at 5:45 pm – We will gather for a short, musical service and a festive dinner in the sukkah.

●     Thursday, October 9 at 12 pm – Join us for a bring-your-own lunch in the sukkah.

The book of Ecclesiastes, read during Sukkot, reminds us: “For everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven” (Ecclesiastes 3:1). This season of gathering invites us to pause, to share time with one another, and to be grateful for the abundance around us. I look forward to marking this season together with you—in our sukkah, in song, in conversation, and in community.

-Rabbi Hannah Wallick