Who's Shakin in Your Sukkah?

Our Kitah Dalet students have been quite busy learning about the many laws and customs associated with Sukkot.  We examined the basic laws surrounding the festival and learned the commandment to celebrate is deeply rooted in the commandments found in the Torah.  We learned about the spiritual qualities of the lulav and the etrog, and how together they represent the whole body, capable of following the mitzvot, and doing good deeds. Students made blessings over the lulav and etrog, and enjoyed a snack in the sukkah, fulfilling the commandment to dwell in a sukkah. 

According to Jewish folklore, there are seven hidden hosts called the Ushpizin ('guests') who visit each sukkah during the 7-day festival of Sukkot.   Ushpizin, the tradition of inviting guests to our sukkah originates in the teachings of the Zohar, the mystical writings of our religion.  The idea of the ushpizin, Aramic for guests, suggests that the spiritual strength of the sukkah is so strong that when we are seated in the sukkah, we have the power to welcome the souls of each honored guest.  In Kitah Dalet, we began talking about the basic commandment of welcoming guests, and the importance of extending warmth to strangers in the community, as well as family and friends.  During our classroom discussion, students had the chance to invite an imaginary guest to the sukkah, explaining the importance of that person on the integrity of Jewish longevity.  Students were quite thoughtful, and many picked a grandparent or relative to join us, stating their guests deep commitment to them and their family.