Tonight, the celebration of Sukkot, the Feast of Tabernacles, begins and continues through October 20. Since the conclusion of Yom Kippur, the observant Jew has prepared the outdoor tabernacle for use throughout the week.
Although little or nothing of Sukkot is celebrated by Christians, I have always felt that we miss out on a rare opportunity especially for teaching our children. What child does not love an evening outdoors or "camping out." Add to this the telling of stories from the desert wanderings of the people of Israel 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 four branches and a fruit accompanies 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 prayer and practice remembers the God who provides an abundant harvest.
The mood of the observance is one of great joy. May you know the joy of Sukkot!
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