Sukkot at Mount Zion
Sukkot begins five days after Yom Kippur and is the Jewish Festival of giving thanks for the fall harvest. It also recalls the huts that the Israelites lived in as they travelled in the desert for 40 years after receiving the Torah at Sinai. At Mount Zion, we encourage people to spend as much time in the sukkah as possible throughout the week. We have many events and services in the sukkah, and we encourage people to come any time when the synagogue office is open to take the lulav and etrog, along with instructions on what to do with them, out to the sukkah. Learn about Sukkot’s background, customs, blessings, foods, and more.
Sukkot Events
Open Sukkah at the home of Rabbi and Cantor Spilker
Eat. Drink. Shake.
CONNECT with other Mount Zion members!
Sunday, October 9, 4:30-6:15 pm
Erev Sukkot Service at 6:00 pm
Open Sukkah at the home of Rabbi and Cantor Spilker. Connect with other Mount Zion members over snacks and drinks! We will conclude with a brief Erev Sukkot Service at 6:00 pm.
The address was emailed to members that signed up by October 6. Members are still welcome to attend, but the registration form is no longer being checked. Please contact Shai Avny to get the address.
An Ancient Sukkot Gathering Ritual Every 7 Years: Hakhel!
After services, enjoy mini-Nothing Bundt Cakes! Why? Because it is fun, and Sukkot is all about JOY! (Gluten-free, dairy free options will be served).
After the shemita year (the sabbatical year which occurs every seven years), the ancient Israelites gathered (Hakhel) on Sukkot morning as a community to hear the message of Torah. It was actually the only time every person – woman, man, child, stranger – was REQUIRED to attend a community gathering. At Mount Zion, we will simply invite you!
As part of our Festival Service, we will have a special participatory Torah study. Each person will be invited to share two Torah verses (in English): 1) One verse in the five books of Moses that you love (and inspires you); and 2) one verse that moves you to action. They can be the same verse, but you can think of them as one that speaks to your heart and one to your hand (action). Don’t worry if you don’t have verses to share; you’ll learn from those who do!
Celebrate in Mount Zion’s Sukkah!
Wednesday, October 12 / 4th night of Sukkot
5:30 – 6:15 pm Pizza in the Hut
We will provide pizza (including gluten free, dairy free options). Shake the lulav and etrog! Please RSVP in advance to help us know how many pizza to order.
6:15 – 6:30 pm Brief Evening Service in the Sukkah
Listen to the Sukkot Playlist
