THE FESTIVAL OF SUKKOT
At 1:00 pm on a crisp fall afternoon, the residents of Jewish Senior Life gathered together on the newly renovated Meer Patio and Gardens to celebrate Sukkot. The sun filtered through the lattice roof of the pergola, now dressed as a sukkah for the season, and cast a gentle glow on the colorful paper chains and festive decorations lovingly made by residents in anticipation of the festival. The cheerful sight warmed the hearts of everyone present who enjoyed cider and donuts and the opportunity to share the new patio and Sukkah together.
Under the Sukkah outside of the gorgeous Hechtman dining room, laughter bubbled up as the residents shared stories and refreshments which deepened their sense of joy and gratitude. The ritual of waving the lulav and etrog was performed with care, as hands both steady and shaking moved in unison. The rustling of the lulav echoed in the air, a symbol of unity that was felt by everyone. Thanks to visitors from The Shul, the festive celebration with snacks was a delightful experience.
Soon, the sounds of music filled the space, and to everyone’s delight, a spontaneous dance began. Residents, some in wheelchairs others with walkers, joined together, moving to the rhythm of joy. Their feet tapped lightly on the walkway, the bond between them palpable as they circled in laughter and cheer, celebrating not just the harvest but the sense of community that had blossomed around them.
At Fleischman Residence, the colorful decorations swayed gently in the breeze, a reminder of generations past. For a moment, it was as if the boundaries of age disappeared. The connection to the holiday, to each other, and to the larger Jewish community had never felt stronger. Under the sukkah’s shelter, amidst the laughter, the songs, and the blessings, Rabbi Polter led the residents of Jewish Senior Life in a service and knew this was a memory they would carry with them long after Sukkot had passed.
Sukkot, a holiday rich in symbolism, and at its heart lies the temporary dwelling that serves as a powerful reminder of both the fragility and resilience of life. The sukkah represents the shelters used by the Israelites during their 40 years of wandering in the desert, a time when they were entirely dependent on divine protection. By building and dwelling in these makeshift structures, we are reminded of the impermanence of our physical world and the need to focus on the spiritual and communal bonds that sustain us.
In Oak Park, Prentis residents, led by Rabbi Polter, will celebrate their birthday club in the Sukkah this year. The act of dining in the sukkah transforms any meal into a sacred experience, reconnecting us with the rhythm of the seasons, the harvest, and the gratitude for the bounty of the earth. It’s a time for friends, family, and community to come together, often under the stars, sometimes in the rain to share in the joy of the holiday, strengthening our connection to both the past and each other.
For the residents of Jewish Senior Life, enjoying refreshments outdoors in the sukkah adds an extra layer of connection—linking them not only to the holiday but to their own personal stories, as they continue to find meaning and joy in each shared moment.
These customs take on even deeper meaning as they wave the lulav and etrog celebrating community and the diversity of experiences that come with aging. The symbolic gesture reflects their connection to the larger Jewish world and their shared acknowledgment of life’s many blessings. The sukkah may be temporary, but the bonds forged in these sacred spaces endure.
Chag Sukkot Sameach.
Shabbat Shalom.
