Although the celebration in the streets lasts only one day, Sukkot is traditionally a weeklong holiday that celebrates the fall harvest. It is described in the Book of Exodus as “the feast of ingathering at the end of the year, when you gather in the labors of your work from the field.” In biblical times, Sukkot was the most important of the festivals.
Many of its themes are universal: These include thanksgiving for the harvest, prayers for winter rain and awareness of the transience of human life, explains Gary Cohn, executive director of Congregation Emanu-El.
The holiday’s main symbol is the sukkah (meaning “booth”; the plural is sukkot), which is a temporary shelter with a roof made of leaves. For the festival, a traditional sukkah will be constructed in the courtyard by members of the congregation.
“Perhaps the origin of this custom comes from the temporary shelters built by workers in the fields during the harvest season,” Cohn suggests. “The Book of Leviticus suggests, on the other hand, that God caused the Children of Israel to live in sukkot during their 40 years in the wilderness.”
According to Jackie Levi, Emanu-El’s membership services director, the festival was created “to provide the entire Jewish community the opportunity to participate in a celebration of Sukkot in a festive, family-oriented atmosphere.”
In addition to Jewish music, arts and crafts, ethnic food, California wines, fine beers and lagers, the congregation will hold a Jewish book fair in the courtyard and Martin Meyer reception area from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Hundreds of scholarly and fun books for readers of all ages will be on sale.
Talented artists will be exhibiting their works throughout the festival.
One of these artists is Berkeley’s Nancy Katz, who has been nationally recognized for her textile and graphic work. Katz has been creating Jewish art since 1982. Her artwork captures the essence of Jewish life in cloth and blends tradition with contemporary design. Katz’s work has been exhibited in the Bay Area at Berkeley’s Judah L. Magnes Museum, the San Francisco Jewish Community Library, the Jewish Museum San Francisco and the American Museum of Quilts in San Jose.
The custom of richly decorated ketubot or marriage contracts, has been an important and joyful part of Jewish weddings for hundreds of years. Illustrator Richard Sigberman and calligrapher Robin Hall of San Francisco create original ketubot and wedding anniversary pieces, as well as family trees and other art celebrating special events.
Eva Strauss-Rosen of Willits creates unique Judaica jewelry rich in concept and craftmanship, using contemporary techniques to illustrate traditional themes dear to Judaism. Intricate lockets are her specialty, crafted in sterling silver, gold and precious stones. These heirloom pieces take on a life of their own, connecting past and present threads of Jewish religion, art and culture.
Eugene Frank and Leslie Gattman of Forestville have developed an international following for their ceramic Judaica — ritual art that is carefully handcrafted, contemporary and yet very personal. Each piece is created at the artists’ home and studio in the heart of the wine country, and each is individually decorated and signed.
Artist Lila Wahrhaftig of Oakland produced the aquatint design used on the postcard to promote last year’s festival. Her creation was inspired by carved motifs on the ruined synagogue at Capernaum, on the shores of the Sea of Galilee. Images of the Star of David, the Seal of Solomon, pomegranates and acanthus leaves embody good luck, wisdom, fertility and steadfastness.
Wahrhaftig will display her fine-art etchings and engravings at the Festival of the Booths. Other artists include Carol Attia of San Leandro, with designs in fabric and Judaica apparel; Laine Barbanell Schipper of Foster City, with handwoven heirloom traditions; Erez Epshtein of Oakland, with silver jewelry, rings and necklaces, and ancient Jewish and Roman coins made into jewelry; Jackie Berg of San Francisco with matzah and challah covers; Judy Miller of Soquel with Judaic ritual objects, ceramic plates and teapots; Melissa Dinwiddie of Menlo Park with calligraphy and cutwork on paper.
This joyous harvest event will also fill the air with music on the main stage at Lake and Second. The Joel Abramson Simcha Orchestra features a spirited variety of exciting Jewish music ranging from Klezmer, Chassidic, Ladino, Israeli folk, Oriental to modern Jewish rock and roll. Performing from 11 a.m. to noon and from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m., the group inspires dancing in the street, and a dance area has been set aside in front of the stage.
Abramson, who has a master’s degree in Jewish education, combines his love for Jewish music with teaching: He is a Hebrew curriculum and music specialist for Temple Isaiah in Lafayette.
The group will break at noon for official ceremonies commemorating the city’s second annual Festival of the Booths. Emanu-El Rabbi Stephen Pearce will explain the holiday.
From 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., the Shtetlblasters will entertain with a versatile repertoire of Jewish and secular music. Under the direction of pianist Michael Gill, the seven-piece ensemble features the vocal talents of Israeli-born Achi Ben Shalom and San Francisco’s Callie Thomas.
A stage at Arguello and Washington will present musical educator-enthusiast Corey Mason of World One Radio, playing world music and showcasing Jewish music.
Music will also be presented at Arguello and Washington streets, the northern entrance to the event.