According to Jewish tradition, the ushpizzin are guests who visit us at Sukkot, the Feast of Tabernacles. They are Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, Aaron, David, and Solomon. Because we dwell in fragile temporary shelters, each day we invite one of them into our sukkah. They are heroes who come offering comfort and encouragement to us. We need such comfort and encouragement for our whole world could be called a fragile shelter as well due to all the wars, disease, natural disasters, and climate change.
These unseen guests only visit the sukkah where the poor are welcome—a reminder of each person’s responsibility to care for others. It also reminds us that unseen watchers may be observing our conduct.Ushpizzin reminds that we are living observed lives. Others are watching us. And our concern for others, particularly the least among us, is an expression of us walking in God’s ways. For just as the Holy One is compassionate, we must be compassionate. Just as God cares for the widow, the orphan, and the stranger, we must care for the powerless in our society. Ushpizzin is just one more way our tradition inspires us to care for our hurting world.
Who’s watching us? Our world is watching. And so is our Lord!
Shabbat Shalom and Chag Samayahk
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