Happy Sukkos, FReepers!
Posted on 10/06/2006 9:38:33 AM PDT by Alouette
MOSCOW, Russia - A huge sukka will be soon put up in Moscow to serve the needs of local Jews over the holiday of Sukkot thanks to the support of FJC CIS President Lev Leviev.
The sukka taking up1500 square meters will be hosting daily festive events including Hebrew classes and lessons of Jewish traditions, lectures and reception events. Chief Rabbi of Russia Berel Lazar will be present at these festivities. The Sukka is large enough to seat 1000 people at once. The Community members will be able to perform the commandment of Arba Minim and enjoy a tasty meal from the Yona Restaurant at Moscow JCC. As well, FJC CIS has prepared about 3,000 traditional Arba Minim sets to be distributed among almost 500 Jewish communities of Russia and other countries of the FSU.
The festive events will offer activities for all generations - for youths, children and adults.
One of the commandments of Sukkot is to fulfill the Commandment of the Four Species: etrog, lulav, adas and arava. All these plants will be available for sale at the first floor of the Moscow Jewish Community Center.
The sages say that these plants symbolize Jews who are on different levels in their observance of Judaism. Etrog has a nice smell and taste. The taste is the symbol of possessing the wisdom of the Torah, while the smell is the symbol of the good deeds the person have done. Etrog is the symbol of a wise and righteous Jew.
The fruits of Lulav have a special taste but have no smell. Thus, there are people who have the wisdom but their wisdom doesn't include any good deeds.
Adas has the smell but no taste. It symbolizes Jews who fulfill the commandment as they follow their faith and love of G-d, but lack a deep knowledge of the Torah.
Arava lacks both taste and smell. It refers to Jews who are still unaware of the wisdom of the Torah nor they abide by its commandments.
To fulfill the Commandment of Sukkot we take the four species and shake them - the righteous, the sinners, the wise men and the fools all together. On these days we come together while staying as we are since the joy of the holiday makes all of us equal.
Happy Sukkos, FReepers!
Warning! This is a high-volume ping list.
This thread is not for the homophonic...
Since when is Moscow in Europe? LOL! The author needs some geography lessons.
Russia west of the Urals is considered a part of Europe.
Europe extends to the Urals.
Ironic considering what Suka means in Russian...
http://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=russian+words+suka&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8
Things have certainly changed for the better in Russia. Let's hope that things continue to develop in this direction. But still, I can't help but wonder if Jews who choose to continue to live in historically anti-Semitic countries when they could make `aliyyah are making a wise decision.
Let's also hope Russian Jewry steers clear of the syncretistic ecumania that has recently engulfed the Chief Rabbinate of Israel. No religion but Torah, for Jews and Benei Noach!
BTW, I have a personal theory that Sukkot is the origin of the autumnal fairs with their corn dog and cotton candy booths. Anyone else ever think that?
Neat, I passed a synogog today and wondered what the strange latticework structure on the front lawn was for. Now I know, thanks! :)
synogog = synagogue
*blushing*
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.