From the Educator - October 1998

The New Year is off to a great start. Opening days are behind us and although there is a saying that "beginnings are hard," religious school students, their families and teachers made the transition from summer to fall with a minimum of stress. We welcomed many new members into the Temple family this year and look forward to their participation in the life of the Congregation.

Sukkot is the holiday theme for October. Rabbi Black began a new tradition last year of consecrating our youngest students at this holiday service rather than at Simchat Torah as we have in the past. We'll continue that practice on Sunday, October 4th, Erev Sukkot. A "brown bag" dinner at 5:30 P.M. will precede this joyous occasion as we honor the children and celebrate the Festival of Booths.

Sukkot offers us the opportunity for wonderful family experiences. It is a mitzvah to build and dwell in the sukah. The custom of welcoming guest, the ushpizin, reminds us of the richness and diversity of the Jewish community. Traditionally there are six guests whose spirits are said to reside with us in the sukah (Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, Aaron and David). We Reform Jews have added the matriarchs to the guest list (Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel, Leah, Miriam and Deborah). If you are able to build your personal sukah, be sure to invite guests to join you for a meal under the starts. If not, it would still be fun to bring a supper to the Temple sukah and together with the children, make a list of Jewish figures (both historic and contemporary) with whom you might like to share your meal.

Chag Sameach,

Glenda

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