home can be blown up under the cover of the stars , despite the man-made cloud cover of the Iron Dome . The clouds of glory that protected us in the wilderness is a very distant memory . But perhaps that is exactly why we need a sukkah this year .
It is said that when we sit in the sukkah the shekhina spreads her wings above it 26 especially if we have guests . Ushpizin is a Kabbalistic custom of inviting a spiritual ancestor into the sukkah each night : Abraham , Isaac , Jacob , Joseph , Moses , Aaron , and David . Each of those Jewish leaders was uprooted from his home , or wandered through the desert , or was pursued by an enemy . They also collectively embody the best traits of the Jewish people : They were hospitable , courageous , seekers , dreamers , leaders , peace makers and warriors . In their merit I would like to suggest that we add others to our list of spiritual invitees .
With Abraham who left his home for a place he did not know , let ’ s invite the evacuees in Israel , who left the homes for the unknown .
With Isaac , who knew what it felt like to be a sacrifice , let ’ s invite those whose lives were sacrificed on October 7 and in the war .
With Jacob , one who struggled with Man and God and prevailed , let ’ s invite the people of Israel , who are surviving and struggling .
With Joseph , no stranger to a prison dungeon , let ’ s invite the hostages and their families .
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Custom of Ushpizin , Rav Yonah Golan
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