The ‘kol dichfin’ call of Sukkot

The Sukkot holiday, similar to Passover's "kol dichfin" call, emphasizes the Jewish value of "hachnasat orchim" (welcoming guests), extending beyond symbolic invitations to the ushpizin to include real people with diverse needs. The article highlights the importance of making sukkahs accessible to individuals with disabilities, drawing parallels to biblical figures like Isaac and Moses who had unique challenges. Israel Elwyn stresses that true inclusion involves identifying and removing barriers, not just inviting participation. This includes addressing physical obstacles like narrow doorways or steps with ramps, and considering non-physical barriers such as communication styles for guests with cognitive or sensory impairments. The core message is to proactively consider the needs of all community members to ensure everyone can fully participate, making the welcome in our temporary sukkahs strong and lasting.