As we lead up to the holiday of Sukkot, one where we normally enjoy large gatherings for eight days in a row, we know that our celebration will be different this year. While we will not be able to physically congregate in the large groups that we are accustomed to, our tradition already understands the beauty and value of opening our homes symbolically.
The kabbalists of 16th century Safed designated an invitation to one revered ancestor for each night of the Sukkot festival (traditionally to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Aaron, and David; and more recently, adding Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel, Leah, Miriam, Abigail, and Esther). These ushpizin, or metaphorical guests, represent the commandment to be hospitable and generous of spirit, perhaps especially when it is not possible for guests to physically join us in the sukkah.
There are uniquely Sephardi customs of setting aside a chair in the sukkah stacked with books for learning and designated just for these ancestors, as well as the custom of sending provisions to the poor, a portion of the ushpizin meal. Both of these traditions feel particularly appropriate this year when our routine large gatherings are on hold.
And while we know that our observance of Sukkot may be slightly altered this year, the holiday itself is our tradition’s greatest reminder of impermanence. The temporary dwellings point out that all of our challenges are also temporary, and that we as a people have the patience and grit to overcome any hardship we face. May your Sukkot meals be extra sweet this year, and may you find comfort and resilience in the somewhat smaller celebration of this ever-meaningful festival.
— Cantor Emma Lutz