Janitza Murga
Mr. Cameron
Comparative Religion
November 19, 2015
Judaism Festival- Sukkot
The Sukkot festival also known as the "Feast Of Tabernacle," is an annual Jewish festival of giving thanks for an abundant fall harvest; and a time to remember when the Jewish people wondered in the wilderness and lived in temporary dwellings after they left Egypt. In commemoration of this event, many Jewish or non-Jewish people celebrate this holiday; and even travel to Jerusalem with family and friends to enjoy the many exciting aspect of the holiday. The word "Sukkot" means "booths" or "huts," throughout Israel, Sukkot are temporary shelters are erected. Like all feasts of the Lord, the Feast of Tabernacle points the Jewish people towards …show more content…
It is quite a momentous transition, one of the most solemn holidays in their year to one of the most joyous. Sukkot is so unreservedly joyful that it is commonly referred to in Jewish prayer and literature as Z'man Simchateinu, the Season of Rejoicing (Rich). Originally, the Sukkot Festival had no established date and was observed whenever the harvest had been completed, depending on climatic conditions. However, by Torah times, the Book of Leviticus (23:24) declared: “On the fifteen day of the seventh month, there shall be a Feast of Tabernacles to God for seven days (Bible).” The date, then was standardized. Sukkot later became one of the three Jewish Pilgrimage Festivals (Syme). To offer a sacrifice to God by the High priest, the people's first fruits would be served to the Temple in Jerusalem. "After the destruction of the Temple in 70 C.E., Sukkot became a synagogue and home celebration, marked by unique rituals and symbols (Syme)". Like many other agricultural celebrations, the Sukkot holiday also has a strong historical significance. Just as Passover is tied to the Exodus from Egypt, the Sukkot is a time to reflect on the experience of the Israel people when they wandered in the desert for 40 years prior to entering the Land of …show more content…
Sukkot uses four species, which are four plants mentioned in the Torah. the first action is the waving of the first species, which is a Palm tree or (Lulav), to welcome the coming of the King and judge. The Palm tree or (Lulav), is a closed frond of the date palm tree and has tastes but no aroma; symbolizes those who know the Torah or the Word of God, but does not practice what it says. The second species is the Myrtle tree or (Hadass), which is a fern with glossy leaves with an enjoyable aroma, occasionally a tree, but has no taste. It represents those who do good deeds, though they do not study the Torah. The third species is the Willow Tree or (Aravah), has neither taste nor aroma and represents those who do not study the Word of God nor practice good deeds. The fourth species is the Citron fruit tree or (Etrog), has both taste and aroma; represents those who are immersed in the Torah and also practice it. When someone waves all four of them, they take them all up together as one, which they call it a Mitzvah, showing their desire to dedicate their entire life to the service of God (Syme). This practice reminds them that their Jewish community is strongest when they come together as one; earning from one another and each others short comings. Most of the feast of their Lord have been fulfilled by their Messiah but he is yet to fulfill the feast of tabernacle. As they wave the four
Mr. Cameron
Comparative Religion
November 19, 2015
Judaism Festival- Sukkot
The Sukkot festival also known as the "Feast Of Tabernacle," is an annual Jewish festival of giving thanks for an abundant fall harvest; and a time to remember when the Jewish people wondered in the wilderness and lived in temporary dwellings after they left Egypt. In commemoration of this event, many Jewish or non-Jewish people celebrate this holiday; and even travel to Jerusalem with family and friends to enjoy the many exciting aspect of the holiday. The word "Sukkot" means "booths" or "huts," throughout Israel, Sukkot are temporary shelters are erected. Like all feasts of the Lord, the Feast of Tabernacle points the Jewish people towards …show more content…
It is quite a momentous transition, one of the most solemn holidays in their year to one of the most joyous. Sukkot is so unreservedly joyful that it is commonly referred to in Jewish prayer and literature as Z'man Simchateinu, the Season of Rejoicing (Rich). Originally, the Sukkot Festival had no established date and was observed whenever the harvest had been completed, depending on climatic conditions. However, by Torah times, the Book of Leviticus (23:24) declared: “On the fifteen day of the seventh month, there shall be a Feast of Tabernacles to God for seven days (Bible).” The date, then was standardized. Sukkot later became one of the three Jewish Pilgrimage Festivals (Syme). To offer a sacrifice to God by the High priest, the people's first fruits would be served to the Temple in Jerusalem. "After the destruction of the Temple in 70 C.E., Sukkot became a synagogue and home celebration, marked by unique rituals and symbols (Syme)". Like many other agricultural celebrations, the Sukkot holiday also has a strong historical significance. Just as Passover is tied to the Exodus from Egypt, the Sukkot is a time to reflect on the experience of the Israel people when they wandered in the desert for 40 years prior to entering the Land of …show more content…
Sukkot uses four species, which are four plants mentioned in the Torah. the first action is the waving of the first species, which is a Palm tree or (Lulav), to welcome the coming of the King and judge. The Palm tree or (Lulav), is a closed frond of the date palm tree and has tastes but no aroma; symbolizes those who know the Torah or the Word of God, but does not practice what it says. The second species is the Myrtle tree or (Hadass), which is a fern with glossy leaves with an enjoyable aroma, occasionally a tree, but has no taste. It represents those who do good deeds, though they do not study the Torah. The third species is the Willow Tree or (Aravah), has neither taste nor aroma and represents those who do not study the Word of God nor practice good deeds. The fourth species is the Citron fruit tree or (Etrog), has both taste and aroma; represents those who are immersed in the Torah and also practice it. When someone waves all four of them, they take them all up together as one, which they call it a Mitzvah, showing their desire to dedicate their entire life to the service of God (Syme). This practice reminds them that their Jewish community is strongest when they come together as one; earning from one another and each others short comings. Most of the feast of their Lord have been fulfilled by their Messiah but he is yet to fulfill the feast of tabernacle. As they wave the four