Friday, October 5, 2012

Succot...Succa...Sckach...

The holidays just keep on rolling. Succot started last Sunday (09.30.12) at sundown. The word succot is the plural form of succa which means booth or tabernacles. These structures symbolize the temporary dwellings Israelis used in the 40 years they inhabited the desert after the Exodus from Egypt. During this holiday, it is common for families to build their own succa outside their homes. They cook in them, play in them, eat in them and even sleep in them. What's more surprising is that businesses have them as well like the one pictured below. Notice the festive decorations. How fun is this!
Succa at the Irr Yamim Canyon (mall) 
There are certain rules one must follow to have a proper succa. It should only be protected by the "sckach" or the roof, which is the most important part of the structure. The sckach can only be made with materials that grow in the ground and is now detached from the ground. It also needs gaps in between materials as to allow star viewing at night and rain to get through. Therefore it can not be placed under a tree and/or indoors. Why rain you ask? Succot is agricultural in origin and supposedly marks the first day of rain which is a good sign of future harvests.  

The holidays lasts for 8 days. Most people are off of work and school are closed as well. There are also tons of happenings all over the country at this time of the year. It seems to be one of happiest of the holidays. As it is the time for friends and family to gather and be merry under a succa. 

Here are other images of another succa. This one is from the only restaurant in our beach. ("our beach" - I like the sound of that.)



You can't help but be merry when you're in a succa, because in it are the simple things that matter, 
each other under a shelter surrounded by love.

Click here for an article on Succot and more succa images.
Chag Sameach (Happy Holidays)!

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