SAN DIEGO – Sukkot is celebrated five days after Yom Kippur and is named after the booths or huts in which Jews are supposed to dwell during this week-long celebration. Typically, it is to honor our ancestors who made the 40-year trek of wandering in the desert after escaping slavery from Egypt.
These temporary shelters have three sides, and the roof is made from thatch or branches, which provides some shade and protection from the sun, but also allows the stars to be seen at night. Decorating the inside is always fun if you have little ones to make paper decorations. Observant Jews spend as much time as possible inside the sukkah, enjoying their meals there. Some people also sleep in the sukkah if the weather is pleasant.
It reminds me of tent camping and San Elijo State Beach. We had to have meals inside the tent when it rained on us. I am thankful that my twins enjoy it as much as I do. My Dad, z”l, was a camping champion and had everything packed and ready. We’d head to San Elijo State Beach during Veterans Day weekend.
My husband and I have continued the San Elijo State Beach tradition with our twins. This is also a favorite spot for my dear friends, Barbara and Bill Sperling. The twins look forward every year to building and decorating a sukkah, and when circumstances don’t permit such activities, they are disappointed and I feel like the worst mom.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
Congregation Beth Israel’s Tribe hosts an Oneg Shabbat at 7:30 p.m., Friday, Oct.18. Tribe is for adults in their 20’s-40’s who like to celebrate Shabbat together. Click here to register.
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Lawrence Family JCC presents “Jewish Food for Thought with Betzy Lynch: Topic: Kindness (Chesed)” at 7 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 19. Lynch will explain in this special Havdalah class the selfless act of kindness. Desserts and wine will be served and questions will be explored under the Sukkot stars. Click here to register.
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Coastal Roots Farm announces “Sukkot Harvest Festival” at noon, Sunday, Oct. 20. This is the 12th year of Sukkot celebration at the farm. Many highlights including: Shaking the lulav and etrog, Sukkot themed yoga, live music, local food and libations, farm tours and face-painting. Click here to register.
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Tifereth Israel Synagogue’s Sisterhood sponsors “Paella and Sangria in the Sukkah” at 6 p.m., Monday, Oct. 21. Organizers plan to invoke for guests the beautiful coast of Barcelona, Spain; a walk through Las Ramblas; the smells of delicious paella and sangria ciders; and the sounds and sights of flamenco dancers and romantic Spanish guitars. Vegetarian paella option and non-alcoholic ciders will be available. Click here to register.
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Young Israel of San Diego announces a “Sukkot Ice Cream Social” at 6:45pm, Tuesday, Oct. 22. Click here for more information and for address.
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Temple Emanu-El Family Shabbat will be followed by “Dia de los Muertos” at 6 p.m., Friday, Nov. 1. Taco dinner to follow at 6:45 p.m. Click here to register.
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JEWISH HUMOR
Chabad of East County shares the following joke: “The loan” Jack walks into a central Manhattan bank and says he’s going to Israel for two weeks and needs to borrow $5,000. For collateral, he offers his new Rolls Royce. The bank is satisfied and parks it in their secured underground garage. Two weeks later to the day, Jack returns to the bank and repays the $5,000 plus interest of $9.41. The loan officer says inquiringly, “Sir, we were delighted to have your business but checking your credit, we learned you are a multimillionaire. Why ever did you need to borrow 5,000?” “Where else in central Manhattan could I park my car for two weeks for $9.41?”
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OBITUARY NOTICES
Arnold Fine died Sunday, Oct. 13. Funeral services will be at 11a.m., Sunday, Oct. 20 at Temple Emanuel Park in Randolph, Massachusetts, Congregation Beth Israel reported.
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Edward Roland Pollak died. Funeral services will be at noon, Sunday, Oct. 20 at El Camino Memorial Park, Chabad of East County reported.
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Cailin Acosta is the assistant editor of the San Diego Jewish World.