Tonight, the celebration of Sukkot, the Feast of Tabernacles, begins and continues through October 1. Since the conclusion of Yom Kippur, the observant Jew has prepared the outdoor tabernacle for use throughout the week. Among Christians, little to nothing is done to remember the experiences of the people of God in their desert wanderings.
I personally have always felt that this season held special promise for children and families whether Jew or Christian. What child does not love an evening outdoors or "camping out." Add to this the many lessons to be learned from the scriptures and the rituals and you have a ready-made teaching laboratory.
Among the rituals of great interest is the blessing over the "four species:" the myrtle, the willow, the citron, and the date palm. The daily waving of the four branches and fruit is accompanied by the blessing:
Blessed are You, our God, Creator of time and space, who enriches our lives
with holiness, commanding us to dwell in the sukkah.
Such a practice remembers the God who provides an abundant harvest.
The mood of the observance is one of joy. During the Second Temple period, there was dance with music and song as water was drawn for use in the Temple and to accompany the prayers for rain. Jesus used the occasion to proclaim: "Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and let the one who believes in me drink" (John 7:37-38).
Have a joyous Sukkot!
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