From the Rabbi

Eating inside a sukkah and at the Shabbat table – different or the same?

Voices for different call out: the sukkah is outside! It’s shaky and flimsy and open to the cold or the rain! You can see the stars through the leafy roof, for heaven’s sake! The Shabbat table is lovely and cozy and … INDOORS!

AH, but what makes each special? THAT’s the same. It’s the special visitors who are included. On Sukkot they are called “Ushpizin” – Aramaic for guests – and they are our people’s ancestral figures, from Abraham and Sarah through David and Esther. Check out the link below for a great poster of our traditional honoured invitees.

As for the Shabbat table, it’s all about the company – being with family and friends, expanding the circle of spiritual shelter and the joy of a bountiful shared meal. A lot like Sukkot.

But I’ve never “made” or “had” Shabbat, you protest. What do I do? Can’t I do it myself?

Of course you can, but on erev Shabbat October 24 – and through that whole shabes, as my family called it – you can join with others in Ottawa, who are joining with others across Canada, who are joining with others across the globe, to participate in a global Shabbat. Consider doing just one more thing that you have done before, and – I promise you – doing it with others will make all the difference.

However you say it and however you celebrate - Happy Sukkot/hag sukkot same’ah - and gut shabes/Shabbat shalom.

Rabbi Liz

http://www.ritualwell.org/ritual/welcoming-ushpizot-ushpizin