WHAT IS SUKKOT?
The festival of Sukkot is named for one of the main commandments that are associated with the holiday: ‘Dwelling’ in the sukkah (or Sukkot pl.) for one week.
The Sukkah
A sukkah in Hebrew means ’booth’ or ’tabernacle’.
Sukkot commemorates the booths – temporary dwellings – in which the Jewish people lived during their forty years in the desert; the period of time between the exodus of the Israelites from Egypt and their settling in the land of Israel. The Promised Land.
The Arba Minim (The Four Species, i.e. The Lulav and Etrog Set)
The other main ritual associated with Sukkot is blessing over the ’Arba Minim’ the four species, which represent the oneness of the People of Israel. The four species are:
Etrog – citron, edible fruit with sweet fragrance.
Lulav – palm branch, odorless but with edible fruit.
Hadassim – myrtles, aromatic but non-edible.
Aravot – willows, devoid of fragrance or fruit.
Symbolism of the Arba Minim:
These four species, so different in characteristics, that unite in the performance of the Mitzvah of Arba Minim teach us that no matter our differences we can and should work together for a better and kinder world.
THE LEGENDARY GANG OF SEVEN
The Mitzvah Gang is a group of seven kids, led by David and Becky. The gang members made a name for themselves by doing lots of kindly acts for folks who are in need.
Each of the gang members is special in a unique way. David loves books, Becky is a techie, Gabe is very tall and has lofty ideas, Leah is a songstress, Jacob makes people laugh, Joe is very quick, and Rachel is brainy and kind. The kids’ wonderful personalities and special talents mesh well together, as they work as a team to achieve noble goals. Their entertaining and heartwarming adventures endear them to all; kids and adults alike.
In The Mitzvah Gang: A Sukkot Story the legendary gang of seven comes to the aid of a family that found itself unable to prepare for the holiday of Sukkot. Told in rhyme, the story is enjoyable while it also advocates kindness and generosity.
More “Mitzvah Gang” adventures are coming soon.