Embodying Sukkat Shalom on the Farm

Sukkot is both the name of the Jewish agricultural holiday and the plural noun of the word sukkah, the temporary structure we build during the Sukkot holiday. There are many beautiful traditions associated with the holiday. One of which is Sukkat Shalom, which means "sukkah of peace". Depending on one's observance level, people can be seen praying, eating, and sleeping in their sukkahs for the entire week of Sukkot. By building a sukkah, we are physically taking ourselves outside our homes and outside the comfort of our four walls and roof. We decorate the sukkah and invite friends, family, community members, and strangers alike to sit and eat with us.

Since a sukkah is usually small, we are reminded to greet those around us with open arms, as we share the space, instead of fear and hesitation. Without physical walls to protect and shelter us, we are encouraged to courageously look around us, truly see our neighbors, and empathetically reach out. Throughout this time, we are challenged to stop "othering" those around us and bridge the differences with compassion and gained understanding. Sukkat Shalom reminds us that we are all human beings and that in order to feel peaceful within oneself and one’s community, we need to welcome the stranger, treat them as equal, and rejoice with them. All human beings need to be met where they are and unconditionally accepted in order to truly have a Sukkat Shalom – a peaceful home.
 
At Coastal Roots Farm, we love this idea so much that we decided to make this year’s theme for our Sukkot Harvest Festival, "Sukkat Shalom". We are interpreting this beautiful tradition by showcasing the diversity within the San Diego Jewish community throughout our programming. As always, Coastal Roots Farm continues to welcome all community members of any religion, race, or background. We believe that through creating inclusive spaces open to all and providing them with unique opportunities to connect with the land, their food, and one another, we can help catalyze a healthier, more vibrate community as well as a radically welcoming place to celebrate Jewish life. We are excited to have diverse Jews and non-Jews come together to celebrate this amazing holiday on the Farm.

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