Sukkot to Surfing

Being Jewish in Mexico has become one of my favorite aspects of the Move to Mexico.

With the final blowing of the Shofar, the Jewish High Holy Days end and the focus of the Jewish community shifts from the solemnness of Yom Kippur to the jubilant celebration of the festival of Sukkot.

You will dwell in booths for seven days; all natives of Israel shall dwell in booths. -Leviticus 23:42

Sukkot means “booths” and commemorates the 40 years during which the children of Israel were wandering in the desert and living in temporary shelters. It is also a fall celebration of the harvest.

In the USA, our family would
- Build a sukkah which is a 3 sided temporary structure, open to stars and decorated
- Purchase a lulav (palm branch, myrtle & willow twigs) & etrog (citris fruit native to Israel)
- Invite family & friends to eat with us

In Mexico, our lulav was a fern leaf and our etrog was a lime. We met up with the Other American Family and 5 of the cutest little boys ever (!!) held the etrog/lime in their left hands and the Lulav/fern leaf in their right hands. Husband and Other American Dad helped the youngest ones determine what went in each hand. We recited a Bracha (blessing) and waved the Lulav/fern and etrog/lime in all six directions: east, south, west, north, up and down, symbolizing the fact that Hashem (G-d) is everywhere.

Then Oldest Son said “Let’s Go Surfing!” It was perfectly timed and another perfect Mexico ending …