We had a wonderful and meaningful Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur — and now Sukkot is just about here in the Galilee.
Sukkot is called Zman Simchateinu (Time of our Joy) and it is the happiest time of the Jewish year as we celebrate with our families in our Sukkah.
One of the reasons for this is that through the repentance process of Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur, we leave our transgressions behind and recommit to a life of connecting to Avinu Malkeinu (our Father, our King).
What could be more joyous than knowing we have a loving Father who cares about His children and is helping guide them to fulfilling their destiny?
A second reason to be joyous at this time of year is that Sukkot is also called Chag HaAsif (the Harvest Festival – Exodus 34:22). So not only is it time to feel the joy of spiritual blessing from God, it coincides with the time that we feel the tangible blessings of receiving the bounty of the Land.
Living in the Galilee has given us the opportunity to experience God’s promised physical blessings by being able to pick our own fruits with our own hands from our own trees!
During the festival season, it’s grapes, pomegranates, and dates – three of the seven special species related to the Land of Israel. (and after Sukkot we’ll be harvesting the olives and turning them into olive oil in time for Chanukah!)
We are so happy to be able to share these blessings with you.