Friends of Itamar

Leah’s Blog Sukkot 2026

Leah’s Blog -Sukkot – 2026- So, in the rigmarole of preparing our house for guests I realized the more important work is happening right outside the door on our porch- building the sukkah. I’ve been busy getting ready for chag. Gravity pulls us down to earthly things and there is never a dull moment- literally till your body hurts. There is shopping, preparing, building, shlepping furniture and decorating. It’s well worth the effort- creating a magical space for an entire week. Succot is full of earthly delights. Our senses awaken now. Day and night become equal now. The breeze is perfect, much like it was when The Children of Israel, as a nation, all prophesied and had clouds as houses for the journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. The clouds, they roll in now. (summers in Israel are mainly blue skies) Our memory is what has us story telling now, building these Succot, only fresh bamboo scents the air now, the wonderful inhale of the flora and fauna of Eretz Yisrael.

National Unity is represented by the four species we hold together, each having a distinct and unique territory; The land of Israel is a spec on the world globe yet the topography varies here. Each area grows different kinds of fruit and vegetables. The lulav (palm) grows in abundance in the Jordan Valley and other arid places. The Hadas (Myrtle) grows here in the heartland where the terrain is mountainous and hearty. The Arava (Willow) can be seen near brooks and streams, a calm serene setting that can be even as close as a twenty-minute drive. The etrog (Citron) grows abundantly on Israel’s coastal plain and in orchards, the scent – my goodness. These different components grown in different terrain are held together in one bundle – we bless with them – their essence runs deep with profound meanings. Succot is an agricultural holiday, a time of harvest and thanksgiving. Now is the time we also look up as we are commanded not to have a complete roof over our heads. We delight in the fairy lights of the twinkling stars just above our heads, ״ and you shall multiply and be as the stars in the sky. “During ancient times when pilgrims came to Yerushalayim from all different places each would bring what his region grew. Twelve tribes from twelve different regions would merge in His house to celebrate and enjoy the wonderful simcha as it is commanded “והייתי אח שמח״. Eretz Yisrael is miraculously again yielding fruit in abundance. Again, we as a nation are witnessing living prophecy. The joy of the ancient harvest festival takes on a new meaning now in gratitude for this bounty, the ingathering of the exiles, and for living in this dream come true. Happy Sukkot to all our of dear friends of Itamar from all of us here and Shabbat Shalom

❤️BLESSINGS, Lea