DIY – Do It Yourself…writes Michael Kuttner
With the week long Festival of Sukkot upon us it is timely to acknowledge the DIY efforts which have coincided at this season.
Michael Kuttner
First and foremost is the physical work needed to build the temporary dwellings which are a distinctive feature of this annual Biblical sanctioned Festival.
It is patently obvious especially to those of us who were born and raised in Diaspora communities that the seasons in Israel clearly define each and every holiday. Pesach is definitely in the spring, Shavuot is in the midst of summer and Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur and especially Sukkot are celebrated in the autumn. Thus, one can almost guarantee that erecting sukkot and eating in them will be a pleasant experience not spoiled by rainstorms and gale force winds.
For some Jews, the annual ritual of building something which will withstand the elements for a week has always been a challenge. There are those of course for whom mechanical skills, engineering and home improvement attributes are second nature. I venture to suggest however that for the majority it is not so simple. Today with prefabricated pieces, artificial roofing material (schach) and wall coverings the task of assembling sukkot has become much easier. The variety of sizes to fit all spaces and the ease whereby everything slots together means that even the most amateurish individual can more or less succeed in putting something together which will remain standing.
One of the interesting sights in Israel is to see how sukkot have been erected in the most unlikely places by some of the most unlikely individuals. On rickety balconies, dangerous looking rooftops and in most unlikely spaces one can see structures which defy the laws of gravity. Full time study with no physical exercise makes this annual event a daunting hurdle for Yeshiva and Kollel students alike. More importantly a complete ignorance of or disdain for elementary safety requirements results every year in injuries or death. Falling from insecure ladders, overhanging spaces and electrocution from “mickey mouse” wiring are not uncommon. Ensuring waterproof electrics is an unknown subject in certain circles and when those not qualified try to do technical jobs by themselves one can predict disaster.
Thankfully most use their common sense. There are plenty of youngsters with the requisite skills who volunteer their services to help the elderly and those unable to build sukkot.
At this time of the year Christian supporters of Israel arrive from all corners of the globe to celebrate Tabernacles and show their solidarity with Israel and the Jewish People. This is another and very welcome gesture of DIY – Do It Yourself. At a time when the Jewish self loathers, genetic Judeophobes and international hypocrites are active it is more important than ever to support those of our friends who are not afraid to stand up and speak out.
J-Wire has already posted a short news item about the Israel Innovation Authority and its 2017 report. Here is a link to an absolutely mind-blowing presentation by the Innovation Authority concerning a glimpse into tomorrow’s health goals. This will prove beyond any doubt that Israel is a world leader in improving the lives not only of its own citizens but also of humanity in general. If you ever needed any confirmation that the Jewish DIY is alive and well this it.
What better gift for this Holyday season?
Click the arrow on the right hand center of the page to scroll through this stunning report.
Chag Sameach.
http://innovationisrael.mag.calltext.co.il/magazine/67/?article=0
Michael Kuttner is a Jewish New Zealander who for many years was actively involved with various communal organisations connected to Judaism and Israel. He now lives in Israel and is J-Wire’s correspondent in the region.
