Endangered Species?

It was roughly a meter tall and weighed nearly 20 kilos (44 pounds). It was a friendly bird and native to the island of Mauritius. Eating local fruit and nesting on the ground, it was a relative of the pigeon and dove, though it couldn’t fly. The Dodo Bird is no longer. People killed them for food and they were perhaps even more affected by the disappearance of their nests due to pigs and other new animals that seafarers brought to Mauritius in the 17^th Century.

 

At 32.9 meters (108 feet) long and weighing 172 metric tons (190 short tons), it is the largest animal ever to have lived on the planet. It feeds almost entirely on krill (small sea crustaceans) – approximately 40 million of them per day per adult. Before whaling, there were hundreds of thousands of blue whales swimming around the world’s oceans. Now, most scientists estimate there are less than 10,000 left.

 

The Dodo bird is an example (perhaps the archetype) of an extinct species. The Blue Whale is poster child for an officially endangered species.

 

The Jewish people has is own endangered species – the Four Species. Outside of Orthodox circles (and a small number of very committed non-Orthodox Jews), the Four Species are almost unknown, as is the holiday they belong to: Sukkot.

 

Pity, as the holiday of Sukkot and its commandments are one of the most beautiful and enjoyable times of the year.

 

Short Sukkot Summary: Five days after Yom Kippur is the week-long celebration of Sukkot. Joy and happiness are such a central part of the holiday that the Torah itself says: "You shall rejoice on your festival" and Jewish communities host special Sukkot celebrations the entire week. On Sukkot (literally, "booths" or "huts"), we dwell in temporary huts and shake the Four Species (the myrtle branch, esrog, palm branch and willow) to celebrate G-d's protection of the Jews in the desert after they left Egypt.

 

Sukkot is made for children: Ideally, make your own Sukkah. The kids will love building and decorating the Sukkah - look online for instructions or to order a prefab one last minute - and, weather permitting, eating and even sleeping in them. As there are only a few days left, if this is impossible, then plan to visit a Sukkah party at shul or with friends. The meals of the holiday are delicious and fun and make a unique and powerful Jewish impression. Making a Sukkah-walk – visiting local Sukkahs in the community – is a great way to enjoy the holiday and get to know other Jewish families. Waving the Four Species is one of the loveliest of all Jewish rituals - the sights and smells easily appeal to children and adults.

 

Next week’s holiday of Sukkot is a great Jewish parenting opportunity. Try and connect to the holiday in a way you haven’t done before – and enjoy!

 

Chag Sameakh (Happy Holiday)

Doron