.
filing over the prices of fruit and
vegetables, is in full swing, as bala-
bustas (housewives) procure their
needs for marathon holiday cook-
athons.
Compassionate
care when and
where you want it
A Coming Together
Jewish Hospice Program
In Israel, Sukkot is not only a reli-
gious holiday, but also a national
one. Observant and non-observant
alike build sukkot and gather for fes-
tive family meals. In Jerusalem, in
fact, where virtually the entire popu-
lation lives in apartment buildings,
the building code mandates provid-
ing each apartment unit with a mir-
peset, balcony, with unimpeded air
space; i.e., not covered by a balcony
on a higher floor. That permits
enough room for the tenants to
build a sukkah. The result is a
uniquely Israeli architectural style of
staggered balconies.
Sitting in a Jerusalem sukkah is a
memorable experience. While enjoy-
ing a lavish repast, surrounded by
family and friends, one hears the spir-
ited sounds of holiday songs wafting
up through the open roofs of neigh-
boring sukkot. Inevitably, some fami-
ly will begin a rousing, familiar chorus
in praise of the Almighty, only to be
joined by scores of unseen, unknown
voices from surrounding sukkot. The
joyous feeling of achdut, Jewish unity,
is electrifying.
Schools let out for the entire week
of Sukkot, and many businesses
close down. It is peak season for
tourism. Israeli families travel as
well, visiting relatives in other parts
of the country, and going on excur-
sions together. Exciting communal
celebrations, called Simchat Beit
HaShoeva, are held at various yeshiv-
ot and synagogues during Chol
HaMoed (five days in America, six
days in Israel), with live music and
exuberant singing and dancing.
An unforgettable highlight of
Sukkot is Birkat Kohanim, the priestly
blessing held in Jerusalem at the Kotel
(Western Wall). Hundreds of kohan-
im from all parts of Israel come to the
Kotel for morning services during one
of the days of Chol HaMoed. They
line up against the Kotel, in front of a
sea of thousands of their fellow Jews
who have gathered for the occasion.
Covering their heads with prayer
shawls, the Kohanim face the people,
raise their hands and intone the bibli-
cal blessing: "May the Lord bless and
keep you," etc. from Numbers 6:2,
invoking the Almighty's blessing of
peace.
❑
How can Hospice of Michigan help?
For 20 years, Hospice of Michigan has cared for people at
the end of life, enabling them to live fully and comfortably,
free from pain, surrounded by the people and things
important to them.
Hospice of Michigan works with each patient's primary
physician to create a plan of care based on individual needs,
With warmth and compassion, our expert staff addresses
the unique physical, emotional and spiritual needs of the
people who seek our care.
"Hospice helped me care for my
husband in his final days. I would
not have made it through without
the comfort Hospice brought to
both of us:'
— Marion August
What is exceptional about
the Jewish Hospice Program?
This is a special program that ensures your loved one
is cared for in a way that is familiar and comfortable—
whether in your own home, a hospital or nursing home,
or our Farmington Hills Hospice Home.
We're here to help you now.
We assist with kosher meals, observation of Jewish customs
and holidays, and scheduling rabbinic visits. Our staff
respects and honors Jewish cultural and spiritual traditions.
I -888-460-5056
www.hom.org
Something
wicke
This Way Comes...
Walk & Squawk's Macbeth
at the
urniture
Factory
313.832.8890
pay-what-you-can previews October 19 and 20
opening night and fundraiser October 21
runs Thursdays through Sundays through November 5