There are many contemporary versions of the traditional ushpizin ceremony, in which biblical figures are symbolically invited to the sukkah. In the following version, people of all faiths are invited to share a meal in the sukkah.
Each evening begin:
It is the vision of the prophet Zechariah that the many nations of the world will someday join with us in the celebration of Sukkot. Let us begin that process by inviting into our Sukkah guests from other traditions. (A friend or acquaintance may be invited to share a meal in the Sukkah and welcomed with these words. May they be more than symbolic!)
First evening:
Enter, my Roman Catholic friend(s)….
Second evening:
Enter, my Protestant friend(s)….
Third evening:
Enter, my Moslem friend(s)….
Fourth evening:
Enter my Hindu friend(s)…
Fifth evening:
Enter my Buddhist friend(s)….
Sixth evening:
Enter my secular friend(s)….
Seventh evening:
Enter my Jewish friends….
Each evening:
Enter and share my meal. May the day soon come when we all live together in a world free from suffering and pain, a world in which justice and compassion reign, a world in which all people realize that what we share in common is so much greater than what divides us.
