Galilee Diary: Round and Round
On the fifteenth day of the seventh month there shall be the Feast of Sukkot to the Lord, seven days. The first day shall be a sacred occasion: you shall not work oat your occupations; seven days you shall bring offerings by fire to the Lord.
A Sukkah of Peace
I have had the pleasure of writing about some very unique holiday experiences that took place in my home when I was growing up.
Azucar: My Sweet Experience in the Sukkah
The famous Cuban-American singer Celia Cruz used to punctuate each performance with the rousing shout , “Azucar!” (Sugar!). But sometimes I also hear this as, “A sukkah!”
Sukkot and Chocolate: Delicious Ideas for Each Night of the Holiday
This year make room for chocolate in your Sukkot celebration.
Galilee Diary: Attunement
Sure enough, last week I saw the first chatzav flower of the season – which was actually sort of surprising, as it's been several years since the last leap year, so the holidays are "early" in the solar year this year.
Hanukkah: A Miracle of Trust
How can I observe Sukkot if I do not have a sukkah?
It is a mitzvah to build a sukkah and to celebrate in a sukkah.
What, if anything, can be done with the etrog after Sukkot?
The etrog is the citron fruit used as a component in the arba minim, the four species.
What happens on each night of Hanukkah?
Two blessings are chanted or recited every night of Hanukkah. The first is a blessing over the candles themselves. The second blessing expresses thanks for the miracle of deliverance. A third blessing—the Shehecheyanu prayer, marking all joyous occasions in Jewish life—is chanted or recited only on the first night.
What is a menorah, or a hanukkiyah?
A menorah is a candelabra, and can be used for Hanukkah if it has nine stems. Another word for a Hanukkah menorah is hanukkiyah. A hanukkiyah has one stem for each of the eight days of Hanukkah, and one for the shamash, or “the helper candle” that is used to light the other candles. Candles are added each night from right to left and they are lit from left to right.