Shanah Tovah and Chag Sameach!

By Jane Schiff and Jeffrey Feld

In September, we celebrated Rosh Ha Shanah. In October, we observe Yom Kippur and the holiday of Sukkot. This is the High Holy Days season. A lot to celebrate over a very short period of time.

In this article, we would like to concentrate on Sukkot. There are certain symbols and rituals associated with this particular holiday.

One ritual involves the lulav and etrog. The lulav is made by joining together a palm branch, two willows, a minimum of three myrtles and one citron (etrog).

Jewish unity is one of the main themes of this holiday. The four components of making the lulav and etrog symbolize a variety of Jewish community members. Creating the lulav and etrog, bringing those various components together, signifies our unity as a Jewish people, notwithstanding differences that we might have. It signifies the importance of coming together and growing our Jewish community. This is very much a Federation mission and, therefore, it would seem a holiday that speaks on behalf of Federation.

Another aspect of this holiday of Sukkot is the actual Sukkah. As you know, a Sukkah is a “temporary structure.” Our community is in the process of building the Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center, which will not be a temporary structure, but rather one of great significance and permanence — the purpose of which is to bring the various components of our Jewish community together, much like the symbolism of the lulav bringing our Jewish community together.

Although details are not yet known regarding the exact date we will be able to move into the new building, we expect to be in our Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center in the very near future. We want all our community to come together in celebration of the building and in celebration of growing our community, together!

Chag Sukkot Sameach!