Sukkoth - Part 2

There are three common symbols of the Sukkoth holiday: the Sukkoth, the Lulav, and Esrog. What they mean and how they are used can be explored here. Very observant Jews try to find the most perfect components with which to make up the Lulav. The Esrog is a citrus fruit, much like a lemon, the most beautiful examples of which are grown in Calabria, Italy.

Before the holiday, the main thoroughfare of Borough Park, Brooklyn is lined with tables selling all the components, and people examine in the minutest detail to her sure of no imperfections.

Sukkoth - part 1

It's no accident that he festival of Sukkoth follows on the heels of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. It's a joyous celebration with lots of great food (no surprise there). There's so much to say about the rituals and customs that it would be impossible for me to do it here. Anything one needs to know about anything to do with the festival can be found here.

I spent some time on Saturday evening in Borough Park, Brooklyn. It's a neighborhood with a mixture of several hassidic cultures and varying dress. Thirteenth Avenue is lined with popup stores and tables of vendors selling 'the four kinds' as well as decorations for the home sukkah. The holiday has been celebrated this way for a thousand years before Christmas ever had a reason to be.

This first post is about the people enjoying the festive air on the street.