Hands-On Sukkot: Building, Singing, and Welcoming Guests Together

This morning our Hebrew school families filled the sukkah with laughter, music, and more sprinkles than I could count. Hands-On Sukkot also marked our second day of Hebrew school, and what a way to spend it. I was so happy to welcome parents, grandparents, and our shining kids to celebrate the festival together.

Singing with Ms. Mads

Ms. Mads filled the room with music, and before long everyone was singing, clapping, and dancing along. Sukkot is called z’man simchateinu, the season of our joy, and I can’t think of a better way to celebrate it than with our kids’ voices lifting up the room.

Our Own Lulav and Etrog

Next, each child made their own lulav and etrog. We talked about the four species, the palm, myrtle, willow, and citron, and how they represent the many different kinds of people in our community. Each one is different, and we need all of them together. Then we practiced shaking them in every direction, because God’s presence is all around us.

Welcoming Guests into the Sukkah

Finally, our students invited guests into the sukkah. This is the beautiful tradition of ushpizin, welcoming guests into our temporary home. It was also a perfect preview of our October Mitzvah of the Month, Hachnasat Orchim, welcoming guests. Our kids already know how to do it: open the door, make room, and say “welcome.”

Edible Sukkot

We finished by building sukkot we could eat. The kids learned that a sukkah needs walls and a roof of natural materials you can see the sky through, and then they got to work. Some sukkot were tall, some were wobbly, and every single one was delicious. Watching grandparents and grandchildren build side by side reminded me that the best Jewish learning happens with our hands and our hearts together.

To every parent and grandparent who joined us this morning, thank you. You are the reason our kids know that Jewish life is something we live together, not something we learn alone. Chag Sameach!

Our next family celebration is Hands-On Hanukkah on Sunday, December 6. Siblings and grandparents are always welcome. Register for Hands-On Hanukkah or learn more about our Hebrew school.

With love & blessings,

Rabbi Amy