BLOG, SPIRITUAL INSPIRATION
​My spiritual meaning of Sukkot

SEPTEMBER 26, 2018


​While I am writing these lines I am spending my third night in my first own Sukkah. It is fresh outside and I am feeling vulnerable without the protecting comfort of my house. I am wondering, what exactly G-d wants to teach us with this unusual situation. Why on earth do we celebrate the Jewish holiday Sukkot by sleeping in Jewish huts?

The Torah tells us that the Israelites slept in the desert in small Jewish huts, after fleeing from Egypt. They left everything behind and started a new life. The Torah also says, that „they hadn’t even packed“. There they were, spending their first night in the desert, for the first time in G-d's embrace. The terrifying moment when there was nothing left but faith.

But the Israelites were not really alone in that moment. It was them AND G-d. They have just left everything behind, what they took for granted and made the brave choice to completely rely on G-d.

That makes me think, while watching the stark from my bed in the Sukkah. All by myself, but not alone. Without everything that usually comforts my life, but full of faith. Having everything that sustained us in Egypt came with the price of slavery. Starting a journey into freedom was a scary step. But in the end we arrived in Israel as a new-born nation, and G-d sustained us on that 40 year long journey after spending the first night in the desert in a Sukkah. 

When I came to Israel 11 months ago, I also spent my first weeks in the desert. I left everything behind, what had comforted me in my old home. I completely relied on G-d to guide me.

Have you haver left your home and had that incredibly strong feeling of being all by yourself but not alone? That is exactly the experience of sleeping in the Sukkah.

Chag Sokkot sameach!

By Ilana Schiffner

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About Me

Welcome to "Jewishbychoice"! 
I am Ilana! 
​German, 28 years old, converted to Orthodox Judaism, currently living in Israel. Fascinated by Torah, Spirituality and Jewish values.
​Today I share my experiences on my blog and assist people in their conversion process. I teach weekly Judaism classes and offer professional conversion coaching.

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