I just wanted to brag to the world that my 10.5 year old, the Artist, fasted the whole fast. No food or water till after the Shofer was blown. She decided to do this on her own! Had to say that first.
As is customary, directly after Yom Kippur fast ends, after one has eaten and rested a bit, families begin working on their Succot. All over the Yishuv are the sounds of hammering and tinkering and building of these small booths which we will eat in and the men in most cases will sleep in for 7 days, starting Wednesday night. In some cases the whole family sleeps outside; our Succot isn't big enough for that though. It is really one of my favorite seasons of the year and one of my favorite holidays.
Maybe it is partly do to the feeling of being cleansed by Yom Kippur and the sense of relief that whatever has been decided has been decided. Maybe it is the sense of community; we are no longer inside, but outside; we can clearly see and hear each other going in and out and at meals. Last year we had a Succot hop; going to each Succah in turn and eating a bit of food in each place. We will do the same again this year. Maybe it is the season; it is cooler outside, but not so cold as to be uncomfortable. It is in some ways perfect weather. Maybe it is the idea of living outside for a few days; camping in style. Whatever it is I always feel awakened and refreshed during this time, and life seems like one big smile.
Hope those who are celebrating enjoy the season!
Posted by Rachel Ann at September 25, 2004 08:24 PMI slept in the succah last year at the synagogue with my daughter and other children and families, it was wonderful! A few ant bites in the morning, but it was lovely. This year it is on an air force base, so we don't get to but I an still looking foward to another holiday in this busy month!
Posted by: renee wirick at September 27, 2004 05:47 AMI wanted to but there was just no room in the succah for all of us; ours is rather small.
BTW, I hope my letter has reached you by now!
Enjoy the holiday (what are you cooking?)
Posted by: Rachel Ann at September 27, 2004 06:36 AMYep! Your letter got here just the other day, I love to get mail, and esp. when it is from Israel, and with REAL stamps! :) I have out my big purple Kosher cookbook, and am trying to decide what to make :) I tried some tarts made with pumpkin the other day that were great, and my daughter loved them too. It is still Tuesday night here, so I have a bit more time, I hope you and your family get better (I have had an awful cold!), and have a wonderful holiday, will get back to you via snail mail after Simchat Torah!
Posted by: renee wirick at September 29, 2004 07:44 AM