Thursday, August 12, 2010

Thinking about Sukkot

The following is a list of qualities we think about on Sukkot; each is connected to one of the Hakafot, and to one of our forefathers (see note about our 'Emahot' as well). I found these descriptions to be inspiring--they just made me feel good.

Kindness

Hesed—Abraham
For I have said: The world shall be built with kindness. Psalms 89:3

Strength

Gevurah—Isaac
Yours is the arm with strength, show us the
power of Your hand, raise high Your right hand. Psalms 89:14

Beauty

Tiferet—Jacob
Grant truth to Jacob, kindness to Abraham. Michah 7:20

Triumph

Netzah—Moses
There is delight at Your
right hand for triumph. Psalms 16:11

Glory

Hod—Aaron
Hashem, our Lord, how mighty is Your Name throughout the earth; for it were fit that You place Your splendor above the heavens. Psalms 8:2

Foundation

Yesod—Joseph
Hashem is righteous in all His ways; virtuous in all
His deeds. Psalms 145:17

Indwelling Presence

Shekhinah—David
In the merit of him who stood in the granary and
was shown favor with fire.

Female Guests

Ushpizot—A 16th-century tradition includes seven female guests as well. They are Sarah, Miriam, Deborah, Hannah, Abigail, Hulda and Esther. Some traditions substitute Rachel, Rebecca and Leah for three of these guests.