Secular Sukkah

Sukkot has been over for a week and a half, but there is one more element that I observed and would like to share. The secular sukkah. It was not surprising to find sukkot in areas like the ultra-Orthodox Mea She'arim, or even in the more Modern Orthodox/Dati neighborhoods, like the one where I live. What is much more surprising is to find secular Israelis with sukkot of their own. Keep in mind, there is a significant between the religious and secular communities, and building a sukkah is a nod to some sort of religious buy-in. This is not to say that all secular Israelis built a sukkah, but when the schach (roof materials) vendors showed up on street corners, a large percentage of their customers looked to be secular. Sukkot is truly a national celebration in Israel, spanning the spectrum of this diverse country.

On Simchat Torah, I walked past a neighbors home on my way to a meal. He was taking down his sukkah. Obviously a secular Israeli, he also was playing contemporary Israeli music loud enough to be heard through the open windows. While he definitely fulfilled the mitzva of the sukkah from a halachic standpoint, it appeared to me as if he was equally ready to dispense of it once it was no longer necessary, lest he appear "too religious." Anyway, just another one of the nuances that makes this country what it is, ones that are easy to miss, but highly appreciated by former sociology majors such as myself.

Uniforms

I would venture a guess that the majority of jobs throughout the world have some sort of uniform. Whether said uniform is mandated by the employer, it is simply practical, or it becomes a matter of identity, the fact is that such a uniform exists in most cases. Israel is no different in this regard; however the Israeli uniforms can often identify religious affiliation or lack thereof.

For example, the Hasidim wear a long coat, identifying the sect of Hasidut to which the individual belongs. Knickers, white socks, black socks, and the variety of hat also provide identifying information. For women, the wardrobe is dark colors and very simple. Most of these women do not wear a colorful head covering.

The “regular” Orthodox are best identified with their black fedora, often a dark suit, white shirt, and tie. Women might wear more fashionable items, perhaps with more color and variety. The kippot of the Orthodox and Hasidim are typically black velvet.

The “modern orthodox” or “dati leumi” wear khakis and button down, or polo, best identified by the knit kippah that often sits slightly to the side on top of the head. Women in this group like layers and more colors. The “settlers” might dress similarly, however their kippot often cover more of the head, and they may be dressed more casually.

There are several other uniforms amongst those whose Judaism is central, I am acknowledging them but I will not go into detail. The final profile: the non-religious. There are variants here too. Many tight tee-shirts, skinny jeans, European style shoes. The women are less concerned with modesty, and their dress reflects that.

Please make no mistake, this list is not meant to be a value judgment on any group, nor is it meant to be exhaustive. Instead, I just wanted to point out the diversity in religious expression, as well as the relative ease by which people can be identified simply by their clothing. Yes, there are plenty of exceptions, but the fact that all these uniforms can exist here is certainly a testament. To what? not sure. As long as nobody is wearing a belt with suspenders and a bowtie, or a patterned shirt with a patterned tie, the dress should not matter, what should matter is continuing to build a unified State even as we wear different uniforms.

Sukkot

Immediately following Yom Kippur, the hammer blows could be heard echoing behind my building. I was mightily surprised when I heard those construction noises following a fast, "who could be working now?" I thought, before realizing we had begun the transition to Sukkot.

All over town sukkot of all varieties began popping up on sidewalks, balconies, backyards, courtyards, even on the back of a truck. The ongoing physical labor was light-hearted, a stark contrast to the serious internal labor of the previous ten days. For me, it's wonderful to see people rejoicing with a bounty of food while spending time with friends and family. Special thank yous to my hosts from yesterday who were just so gracious in opening and sharing their homes.

This sukkot will be one of lasting memory for the Schalit family, as they prepare to welcome home their son Gilad after five years as a captive of Hamas. While you'd be hard-pressed to find somebody who was not elated about Gilad Schalit's return, questions are being asked about the cost. Redeeming captives is a mitzva, but at what point does the cloudy future that results from doing said mitzva mean that the mitzva should be pushed off? At this juncture, I am not presenting my view, just asking a question for discussion, one that will be debated around Shabbat tables and in sukkot all over the Jewish world.

Moadim l'simcha, Shabbat shalom.