JVN Blog

The festival of Sukkot is full of symbols. We build a sukka (temporary structure) to represent the tents of the Israelites when they resided in the desert before entering Israel, as well as to demonstrate our faith in G-d’s protection, as the structure is exposed to external elements.

We wave the Arba Minim (4 Species) which represent the combination of Torah learning and doing good deeds, as one cannot be done without the other.

For me one of the most important symbols/themes surrounding Sukkot is that of “Ushpizin” (Guests). Traditionally we welcome seven specific guests into our sukka: Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, Aaron, Joseph, and David – a new one each night. Each guest brings a sense of history, connection and identity  There is also the parallel between the sukka  and Abraham’s tent, where he welcomed three angels, disguised as travellers, to eat and rest, unaware of their true identity. Inviting guests to share our sukkot celebrations, food and company also demonstrates the integral social nature of Judaism. We are not a community that believes in being reclusive; indeed Jewish practices revolve around interactions with others. One cannot fulfil all the Mitzvot (commandments) on one’s own. We are commanded to be outward looking and not to isolate ourselves.

Sukkot is also about our vulnerability and our trust and belief in G-d’s protection. But as with all aspects of Judaism, our relationship with G-d is preceded by our relationship with others. This is seen on Yom Kippur, when we ask forgiveness from G-d, preceded a week earlier by asking forgiveness from one another. It is my understanding that how we relate to G-d should not be different from how we relate to each other. We must recognise the importance, uniqueness, and essential goodness of every person. On Sukkot we need to seek shelter and protect ourselves as well as others before we can ask the same from G-d. The sukka is fragile and exposed to the environment, reflecting times in our lives which are often influenced by forces beyond our control.

It’s an appropriate time for helping others. We reach out to them and think about hospitality,the environment, those living permanently in tents, those without roofs over their heads. We need to continue our proud history of social awareness and responsibility which is ingrained and imprinted throughout our religion and our community.

If you want know what volunteering opportunities are currently available go to www.jvn.org.uk   or call us on 0208-203-6427

The 7 Guests we welcome into our Sukkot