Rabbi Howard Morrison

Sukkot is known as Chag Ha'asif, the Festival of ingathering. In ancient times, one gathered the crop of the Fall season during Sukkot. In later times, the people were gathered to dedicate the first Temple of Jerusalem during Sukkot. Subsequently, we gathered ourselves in the second Temple and synagogues during Sukkot.

In addition, we gather the four species during Sukkot. They represent four diverse kinds of Jews, and they represent the spine, eyes, heart, and lips in our bodies. We serve God with all we have.

For those of us privileged to build a Sukkah, we gather family and friends for meals and festivity in our Sukkah. In the sixteenth century, the same mystics who gave us Kabbalat Shabbat, also gave us a beautiful ceremony called Ushpizin, literally,  exalted guests. For the seven days of Sukkot, we ingather Biblical heroes who were known as shepherds into our Sukkot: Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Aaron, and David. The mystics also included a variety of Biblical women to accompany the men. Various traditions exist, including for example: Sarah, Rebecca, Leah, Rachel. Miriam, Devorah, and Ruth.

Who might you invite to be a spiritual guest in your Sukkah? A deceased relative? A famous Jew from the past? 

This year, in the wake of the first anniversary of October 7, consider inviting the following exalted guests:

On night 1 - all those currently hostage and held captive, kept from their homes and their families.

On night 2 - all those who lost their lives on October 7, who we hold dear in our hearts.

On night 3, all those who bravely stepped forward as first responders, bringing hope and healing along their path.

On night 4 - all those soldiers who have stepped up to fight for justice, to bring home our beloveds.

On night 5 - all those who have provided aid, supporting the suffering, bringing care

at each step.

On night 6 - all the children whose lives have been interrupted. whose schools and families are far from the normalcy children deserve.

On night 7 - all the innocent caught amidst violence they do not deserve nor desire.

Conclude each Ushpizin night with - We invite you here with us, under our Sukkat Shalom, a shelter of peace.

Chag Sameach,
Rabbi Howard Morrison