Making Peace Spaces

Sukkot is a weeklong Jewish festival following Yom Kippur, observed by the building of and living (eating and sleeping) in temporary tent-like structures called a sukkah and the waving of arba minim, or “four kinds” of plants, including a citron (etrog), a palm frond (lulav), three myrtle twigs (hadassim) and two willow trigs (aravot). These traditions symbolize a reconnection with nature as a means of recognizing the many ways G-d provides for and protects us after the intense experience of Yom Kippur. The holiday also highlights Jewish unity, as our collective gatherings in temporary dwellings remind us we are all cared for equally by G-d, and the waving of the arba minim symbolizes bringing together the many different personalities that make up the Jewish community of Israel.