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) |