Yom Kippur Graphics Wrap-Up

Before I post the larger array of Sukkot-related shots, a few Yom Kippur graphics to get you warmed up!

First, Finale's e-blast from September 15. In particular, take note of the bit in the middle, and perhaps scratch your head, as many apparently did.

They followed up shortly thereafter with this one. Gotta love it. [FYI, those graphics are directly from Finale's web site but am linking to my copies just in case.]

Contrast that to a flyer I snapped a shot of yesterday in Brooklyn. (Hm, if you're wearing an icepack on your head, does that mean you don't technically need a kippah?)

( Here's Halachically Permissible Relief!! )

Neighborhood Tour: Sukkot Edition

Part one of a little Jewish tour of my neighborhood in Brooklyn: Sukkot edition (just in time). The area wasn't quite this *Israeli* when I was growing up, but these days, it's almost like being in the Holy Land, minus the machine guns and hot weather. Parking meters are suspended on Saturday instead of Sunday. Most people on the street wear some sort of head covering, whether it's a kippah, scarf, wig, or hijab. (These aren't pictures of them, of course, because that would be rude.) In any case, everyone can agree on a lack of pork.

Even the few major chain stores do what they can to fit in.
( Here's one of the windows of Walgreen's. )

Since Sukkot is about to start, relevant accessories were on sale everywhere, at varying prices.
These guys (The Estrog Place) had the flashiest set-up:

( Giant etrog cut-out and sign (sorry about the glare -- it was extremely sunny.) )

( Their even BIGGER etrog on the other tree. )

They also had the highest prices, but perhaps quality costs!
( The Esrog Place flyer )

But you've got plenty of options! Y'know how in some neighborhoods, empty storefronts are used temporarily for Halloween stores? Here people use them to sell lulav/etrog sets. We passed at least three on our walk. I assume they were stocking many of the street vendors.
( I also observed that the bakery in the background would have spent far less money on their sign if their name was Levy. )

Don't rush into anything! There are many fruit and fronds from which to choose and plenty of people with whom to bargain. These vendors, which covered the entirety of the blocks in front of and behind me there, were calling out prices that ranged anywhere from $15 to $45, and occasionally higher. We had one offer of $10 and heard one $80. One kid asked, "How much do you want to pay, eh?" in that heavy Israeli accent that made me feel like I was in the shuk.
( They do smell great, though. )

And what about for the kids? Those palm edges can be sharp (seriously, like razors), but they'll still want to participate.
( Never fear -- plushies to the rescue! )

Finally, in the "they think of everything" department, how do you deal with the pesky bugs that threaten to ruin your perfect Sukkot meal? SukkahPellant, of course!
( I'm not kidding. )

In the end, not really seeing the need for a full set since I'm unlikely to attempt many Sukkot services (and despite the temptation), I opted for just an etrog from the one vendor who was selling them alone, for a mere $3, with no pretty box of packing material. They were clearly not the picks of the litter, but mine has already improved considerably in color and scent since yesterday, even if it's never going to fatten up. [ETA: Could be this is just not one of the more rounded varieties. And fyi, yes, the pitom is intact!]

Happy Holidays!


[Apologies for the poor quality of many of these shots. Many were taken with my camera and in most cases, I was trying to be unobtrusive.]