SARASOTA (WSNN) – The Suncoast celebrates the end of a few Jewish holidays at Temple Emanu-El, Saturday morning.
Rabbi Michael Shefrin and staff welcomed its youngest community members for a drive-thru celebration of Simchat Torah and the end of Sukkot, or “Feast of Tabernacles.”
A holiday where the Torah directs them to dwell in Sukkahs or temporary booths, and remember the ancient travels people made to the Temple of Jerusalem.
Commemorating the holiday by building sukkahs, dancing, singing and parading all while wearing masks and keeping their distance.
Rabbi Shefrin says during this time, there’s an expression of thanksgiving and gratitude.
“And I think in today’s world, which can be so hard, it’s so important for us to pause, to remember what we’re grateful for and to say thank you to God and to our community members and our families,” Rabbi Shefrin said.
“I think that connection is really important especially in these times, to keep everyone’s mental health healthy, and overall well being,” Temple member, Leah Verier-Dunn said.
She came with her family to enjoy the celebrations. Verier-Dunn says it was a tough summer not being able to be with friends so they’re happy to come to connect again.