Sukkot or the Feast of Tabernacles is one of the Jewish festivals that has been happening for thousands of years and its one where all the Jews would come to visit the temple in Jerusalem if they could. Its like a Thanksgiving in a way, back in bible times they would celebrate because of the harvest and now I think they celebrate the blessings of the year that has passed.
You would never think Holidays would be something that would be so upsetting, but here with so many different belifs, holidays can be the times when tensions are highest. Sukkot lasts 7 days so for about a week the center had us pretty much stay out of the Old City just incase.
Many of the roads get blocked off so that the bus loads of Jewish pilgrims who were comming from all over the world could go to the Western Wall to pray. But for anyone who isnt jewish this perhaps was not ideal.
All over the city there are these little hut things called Sukkas, kind of like how we put up a Christmas tree. The Jewish families decoarate these sukas and have feasts and say prayers in there for a week and kids can sleep in there too if they want. Seems kind of fun!
On the Last day of Sukkot the center let us go out, proabbly because it was so early they thought it would be safe. We walked down to the Western Wall to watch the people reading from the Torah, and praying and wacking their palm frawns on the ground. Our Jewish teacher says that its the jews way of throwing a temper tantrum for rain. I loved seeing all the families together the most.
These cute little girls were beating these palm frawns to death! Althogh the week of sukkot wa sone of the few we had rain! wait to go!
These boys were so cute. I love watching the kids the most because they are always the same whever you go. I could tell the little boy on the right was kind of ready to go home. He was bobbing back and fourth and taking his coat on and off while all his older brothers were saying their prayers.
They kept taking these money jar things out and admiring them. It reminded me of how boys used to play with Pogs or Pokemon Cards. Well happy Sukkot!
3 comments:
Oh my goodness Marni! I didn't realize you were on so many wonderful adventures. I love all of your pictures and your outfits. I DEFINITELY want to go there now after seeing what you are doing. Rad!!!!!! I miss you and I think about you often!
I am so jealous! I wish that I was there with you. Everything you are doing looks so amazing. I so glad you could have this experience! :)
beautiful girl. your pictures make me want to travel there.in face i think i will. lovee you & i hope your safe dear! happy travelings
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