Photo Friday: Branches from Luxuriant Trees

Stand for Israel  |  October 7, 2022

“On the first day you are to take branches from luxuriant trees—from palms, willows and other leafy trees—and rejoice before the LORD your God for seven days. Celebrate this festival to the LORD for seven days each year. This is to be a lasting ordinance for generations to come” (Leviticus 23:40-41)

This Sunday at sundown, Jewish people around the world will begin to celebrate Sukkot, the biblically mandated Festival of Tabernacles. During Sukkot, branches are used to build a temporary shelter called a sukkah, in which Jewish families spend much of their time over the next week—eating, worshiping, and even sleeping. This sense of being out in the elements, dependent on God’s protection, reminds us of His protection over His people during the forty years they wandered the desert. And He still protects His people, all of these generations later. Shabbat shalom, friends.