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Sukkot is a joyous seven-day festival often connected to being thankful for the fall harvest. It takes place on the 15th Hebrew month of Tishrei. Sukkot also commemorates the 40 years of Jewish wandering in the desert after the giving of the Torah in Mt. Sinai. It is a rejoicing and the only festival in which we are commanded to do just that: rejoice. Sukkot, the plural of sukkah, translates to “huts” or “booths.” Sukkot are temporary dwellings we erect that have open walls and open doors. During this time, we invite friends and new friends to eat, rest, and rejoice.

Uzhpizin is Aramaic for “guests,” a reference to the founding figures of the Jewish people who are symbolically invited into the sukkah, along with their divine attributes (a wink at the Sefirot of Kabbalah). For 7 days, a set of biblical figures is invited, and their divine attributes are commemorated.

And.

Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a Latin festival celebrating and remembering loved ones no longer with us. The festival is a two-day celebration from November 1 to 2, sometimes around the same time as Sukkot. It is believed that on Día de los Muertos, the bridge between the natural and spiritual worlds opens so our deceased loved ones can return and visit us. While the festival is usually associated with Mexico, it is celebrated in different Latin countries in various ways. Families commonly gather in cemeteries at night, light candles, and place flowers on the burial sites of their loved ones. One would think this time to be one of sadness. Yet, it is a time when families sing, laugh, dance, eat, and celebrate their ancestors.

A big part of preparing for Día de los Muertos is the creation of temporary ofrendas (altars) in the home. Stemming from the Aztec practice of leaving food and water for the deceased to help them on their journey to the land of the dead, Latin families decorate ofrendas with flowers (often marigolds in Mexico), pictures of deceased loved ones, souvenirs, and loved one’s favorite foods. The belief is that the offerings help invite the deceased ancestor from the land of the dead; it is a call that gets louder the more one is remembered.

You can find a more detailed explanation of Sukkot and Día de los Muertos on Jewtina y Co.’s Jewish Holiday Resources page and Cultural Ritual Page, which served as a primary reference point for this ritual. 

I am a Salvadoran Jew and, for years, have been exploring how I can observe Día de los Muertos in a way that honors my Jewish life. During a leadership retreat at Urban Adamah, a peer shared with me the Indigenous belief that when we heal, we heal the 7 generations that preceded us and the 7 generations that will follow us, likely derived from Lakota tribe beliefs. My journey as a Latin Jewish leader in Los Angeles took me to reconnect with my family line and heal the many scars of colonialism, war, racism, misogyny, and immigration. My ritual aims to honor that process by honoring my ancestors during a time when I am commanded to rejoice.

Step 1: In the days leading up to Sukkot, reflect on 7 ancestors or deceased loved ones you wish to honor. Will you honor them chronologically based on where they are in your family line? Will you honor them based on the divine attributes and how they embody that trait? Will you honor them next to specific founding Jewish figures? This is your practice and your ritual; lean on what feels authentic.

Step 2: Create an ofrenda! You can refer to this Recustom Altar Making Guide or Jewtina y Co.’s Día de los Muertos guide. 

An ofrenda generally includes:

• A table
• A tablecloth
• Pictures of loved ones you are remembering
• Their favorite foods and drinks
• Water
• Flowers
• Bread and pastries
• Other personally meaningful objects

Step 3: Make your ofrenda sacred with a blessing. I use the blessing during Havdalah that marks the separation of the holiness of Shabbat from the ordinariness of the rest of the week. 

Baruch atah Adonai, hamavdil bayn kodesh lechol. 

Blessed are You God, who separates between the holy and the ordinary.

Step 4: It’s Sukkot! Use the chart below to structure each day for the Ushpizin ceremony. You can refer to this booklet by 18Door for a brief review of Sukkot. If you’re building a sukkah, consider the symbolism of building it around your ofrenda. If you cannot build a sukkah, consider the power of your ofrenda and how your ancestors/deceased loved ones are connected to you, with or without a temporary dwelling.

Day

Ancestor or

Deceased Loved One

Divine Attributes

Founding Jewish Figures

1

Chesed, loving kindness

Abraham & Sarah

2

Gevurah, strength

Issac & Rebecca

3

Tiferet, splendor

Jacob & Leah

4

Netzah, eternity

Joseph & Rachel

5

Hod, glory

Moses & Miriam

6

Yesod, foundation

Aaron & Deborah

7

Malkhut, royalty

David & Ruth

Step 5: Ushpizin. Before the meal, we invite these special guests to join us in the sukkah. Although all the names are mentioned each evening, we make a special call to a special guest each night. If that is your practice, you can refer to this excerpt by the Rabbinical Assembly, which has the Ushpizin blessings in English and Hebrew.

Step 6: Take a moment to reflect on the invitation. Speak about the ancestor or deceased loved one you are remembering. Refer to your ofrenda and share a story, idea, or question about them. Reflect on the divine attribute of that day. How did this person embody that? Think about the founding Jewish figure being honored; what traits do they possess similar to the person you remember?

Step 7: Eat! Rejoice! Your sukkah or home is full of so much love and respect. Acknowledge the power you possess by honoring your ancestors or loved ones. You are the link between them and your future generations. They’re with you, always. 

My Practice

Below is what my ritual looks like.

Ofrenda:

• Wooden table
• Maroon tablecloth
• Guineos/Platanos (bananas/plantains)
• Papaya
• Tamarindo (tamarind)
• Sapotes (fruit native Central and South America)
• Jocotes (fruit native to Central and South America)
• Mamoncillos (Spanish limes)
• Salvadoran coffee beans
• Salvadoran Quesadilla (sweet bread)
• Hibiscus flowers
• Flores de Izote (izote flowers)
• Caléndulas (marigolds)
• Pictures
• Grandfather’s cufflinks
• Water
• A bottle of Cola Champagne (Salvadoran soda)
• Cohiba, Montecristo, or Romeo y Julieta cigar
• Rum
• Mezcal, raicilla, and/or sotol (spirits native to Mexico)

Ancestors & Deceased Loved Ones (Z”L):

Day

Ancestor or Deceased Loved One

Divine Attributes

Founding Jewish Figures

1

Jaime Salvador Carrillo Torres (Father)

Chesed, loving kindness

Abraham & Sarah

2

José Luis García de León y García (Maternal Grandfather, Mexican Army Veteran)

Gevurah, strength

Issac & Rebecca

3

Afredo Carrillo (Paternal Grandfather, WWII U.S. Army Veteran)

Tiferet, splendor

Jacob & Leah

4

SPC Kaleb Loyer & SPC Matthew Hester (Soldiers I served with in the U.S. Army)

Netzah, eternity

Joseph & Rachel

5

Francisco García de León Hidalgo y Costilla (Great Paternal Grandfather, he fought alongside Pancho Villa in the Mexican Revolution)

Hod, glory

Moses & Miriam

6

The women in my family line who did not have agency or a voice during their time

Yesod, foundation

Aaron & Deborah

7

Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla (Ancestor, Father of the Mexican War of Independence)

Malkhut, royalty

David & Ruth

Ritual by Luis Rene Carillo

Some people find writing what they are grateful for in a journal helps them to be more mindful of where they can express their thanks in their daily lives. 

Here are a few questions to get you started:

• What is one simple joy or pleasure you have experienced in the past week? 
• Who is a person in your life that you are grateful for?
• What is something you are proud of? 
• Look out your door or window, what in nature makes you smile? 
• What is a tradition that has been supportive for you?

Like any ritual, you don’t need to wait for the next holiday or major lifecycle event to recite the shehecheyanu. You can bring this blessing into your everyday life, by transforming ordinary moments into milestones. 

When we bring intention to something and give it our full attention, we elevate the mundane into a ritual that’s worthy of a shehecheyanu blessing. By taking an active role in ritual and creating personally meaningful practices, we can better care for ourselves and each other in difficult times. 

Connecting with our senses helps us notice the amazing all around us. Here are some ideas to engage your senses and discover opportunities to say the shehecheyanu. 

• Sight: noticing the first buds on the trees or the leaves changing color; seeing beautiful art
• Sound: hearing a favorite song by happenstance; noticing the ice cream truck jingle for the first time that summer
• Taste: tasting a new fruit or vegetable; enjoying a food you eat on special occasions 
• Touch: embracing a loved one after a long time apart; holding a family heirloom; swimming in the ocean
• Smell: catching a whiff of a loved one’s perfume or scent; smelling the fragrant blossoms of lilacs, roses or peonies 

Using a journal or the space below, reflect on the milestone(s) you wish to celebrate by saying the shehecheyanu. What are you grateful for in this exact moment, today, in this wondrous life you are blessed to live? 

Introduction:

For as long as I could remember, the eye of the fish had great significance in my family of origin. In Moroccan culture, the fish often symbolizes abundance, prosperity, fertility and good fortune. Fish also have spiritual connotations, symbolizing protection. Every Rosh Hashana, my family members would all sit around the festive table and fight for the eye of the fish. Why? Whoever was fast enough to get the eye and eat it in its entirety would have a year filled with clarity.

My ritual is inspired by my Moroccan Jewish roots; however, the fish has great significance also on my Cuban side. In the Cuban culture, fish symbolize various themes, including abundance, nourishment, and community. Given the island's strong connection to the sea, fish often represent the importance of fishing as a livelihood and a source of sustenance. Additionally, in some spiritual beliefs, fish can symbolize transformation and adaptability, reflecting the changing tides of life. For my Cuban Jewish roots, fish meant livelihood as my grandfather, Victor was a fisherman all his life.

I felt a deep connection to the fish, specifically the eye of the fish. The idea of letting go through a ritual of taking your thoughts, fears, feelings, hopes and dreams for the new year and dissolving through water represents or in many ways is similar to Tashlich or Kaparot. The connection of the elements, the casting off to return, to invite and create fresh new connections with the eye of the fish.

The Gematria of Dag (daled, gimmel) is 7. [Editor's note: Hebrew word for "fish" is "dag."] In Judaism, seven is a powerful number.

• Creation: God created the world in six days and rested on the seventh, marking it as a day of rest and sanctity (Shabbat)

• Shabbat: The weekly Sabbath is observed on the seventh day, emphasizing rest and spiritual renewal.

• Seven Blessings: During a Jewish wedding, seven blessings (Sheva Brachot) are recited to celebrate the couple.

• Menorah: The menorah in the Temple had seven branches, symbolizing divine light and knowledge.

• Seven Days of Mourning: The shiva period, a week-long mourning ritual, reflects the significance of seven in grief and healing.

• Seven Species: The Torah mentions seven species (wheat, barley, grapes, figs, pomegranates, olives, and dates) that are special to the Land of Israel.

• Seven Readings: During certain holidays, like Simchat Torah, there are seven readings from the Torah.

Instructions:

Setting the Intention: Find a quiet space where you can sit comfortably. Close your eyes and

take a few deep breaths, allowing your body to relax. As you inhale, envision bringing in light

and clarity; as you exhale, let go of any tension or distractions.

Visualizing the Fish: Imagine a serene body of water, its surface glistening in the sunlight. In

this tranquil setting, picture a fish swimming gracefully. This fish embodies clarity and purpose.

As it glides through the water, it moves effortlessly, navigating its environment with ease.

Reflecting on Attributes: Consider the attributes of the fish: Adaptability: Just as the fish

adapts to the currents, reflect on your ability to adjust to life’s changes. What currents have you

navigated this past year?

Perspective: Fish often see the world from below the surface. Allow

yourself to gain a new perspective. What truths have you uncovered that bring clarity to your

life?

Sustenance: The fish sustains itself and those around it. Contemplate how you can nourish

your spirit and those in your community in the year ahead.

Connecting with the New Year: As you visualize the fish, think about the upcoming Jewish

New Year. What intentions do you wish to set? Picture the fish swimming towards a horizon

filled with light, symbolizing new beginnings and opportunities.

Setting Intentions: In this moment of reflection, silently affirm your personal intentions SEVEN TIMES. Personal

intentions are different for everyone. For example:

• "I embrace clarity and purpose as I enter this new year."

• "I release what no longer serves me, welcoming growth and transformation."

• Ani Dag B’Myim

Returning to the Present: Gradually bring your awareness back to your breath. With each

inhalation, feel the energy of clarity filling you. With each exhalation, let go of doubts and

uncertainties. When you feel ready, gently open your eyes, carrying the clarity of the fish with

you into the new year. Embrace the journey ahead with a renewed spirit.

SHANA TOVA!

Ritual by Shoshana Kozaski

Introduction:

For my ritual I wanted to find a way to have a transition from such a holy time with the rest of our year, and luckily Jews already have a tradition of separating the holy from the everyday, Havdalah. There is something beautiful about ending Shabbat with a ritual around waking up your senses, and leaving with one last taste of the holiness of Shabbat. I wanted to add that to the experience of the High Holidays because it can be really jolting to go back to the secular world after we bare our souls, and being able to transition back could be really helpful in being fully present in our lives. This ritual is written to be done after Yom Kippur but can be adapted for the ending of any holiday. 

How To:

First you’ll need to gather the supplies, for this Havdalah adaptation you will need:

• coffee/hot chocolate
• dates
• Pan dulce (or any type of sweet bread)
• Candle (you could do scented, unscented tea lights, any candle)
• Incense or spices with an invigorating scent (think mint, citrus)
•  If possible go somewhere in nature, I recommend the beach but anywhere outside will do.

Once you have picked your spot, bring your supplies and set them in a way that makes picking up each item easy. Unlike Havdalah done on Shabbat, this one is meant to be done the morning after Yom Kippur, before you go to work. 

The first thing you’ll bless is the coffee. Take the cup in two hands to feel its warmth.

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה ה’ אֱלהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעולָם מֵּאִיר (קרי: מֵּעִיר) לָאָרֶץ וְלַדָּרִים עָלֶיהָ בְּרַחֲמִים

Praised are You, Adonai, our God, Sovereign of universe, who rouses the world and its inhabitants in mercy

.Take a sip of coffee/hot chocolate. Then the incense or spices to smell

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְיָ אֶלֹהֵֽינוּ מֶֽלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם בּוֹרֵא מִינֵי בְשָׂמִים

Blessed are you, Lord our God, sovereign of the universe Who creates varieties of spices.

Smell the spices.

The last blessing will be over the candle.

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה יְיָ אֶלֹהֵֽינוּ מֶֽלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם בּוֹרֵא מְאוֹרֵBlessed are you, Lord our God, sovereign of the universe Who creates the light of the fire

Feel the warmth of the fire 

Lastly we’ll bless the pan dulce

בָּרוּךְ אַתָּה ה׳ אֱלֹהֵינוּ מֶלֶךְ הָעוֹלָם הַמּוֹצִיא לֶחֶם מִן הָאָרֶץ

Blessed are you, Lord our God, ruler of the universe who brings forth bread from the earth.

Before taking a bite of the pan dulce grab a date and say:

May it be your will, God, that hatred will end. (The word for date looks similar to the word end in Hebrew)

Enjoy the coffee/hot chocolate pan dulce, and dates!

Once you have completed this ritual, take a moment to think about what bits of sweetness you want to bring into your life now that the High Holidays are over, and enjoy your year!

Shana Tova!

Ritual by Ziggy Valdez