Back in July, Doug requested nine days vacation for the fall feasts. A week before Trumpets, we were shocked to discover that he had only been approved for one day, Feast of Trumpets. We felt like our world had crumbled apart. We knew it was risky, but we politely asked if there was any possible way to cover these days, since they were religious holidays. The initial response was rather negative. But we continued to pray for direction and wisdom. Doug talked to some of the standby pilots and began to find out that maybe, just maybe, he could get part of Sukkot. He would still have to work a day right in the middle, but we were thankful to get something. Then, only a few days ago, a standby pilot offered to cover that middle day in Sukkot! We were so excited, but a little sad inside, because we knew there was no way for him to get Yom Kippur.

So he left for work, determined to keep Yom Kippur the best he could when he got home. We wanted to be thankful for all that YHVH had done to get us Sukkot. When Doug got to the airport, he was literally shocked to find the backup pilot waiting for him! Doug said it felt rather surreal, but sure enough, it had all been orchestrated behind the scenes and Doug never got the message. With an incredible sense of awe, Doug turned around and came home to celebrate Yom Kippur with his family. I told him it seemed almost like Abraham and Isaac. Abraham had the knife in his hand before the ram showed up to take Isaac’s place. Doug drove all the way to work before he was given back the opportunity to celebrate the feast. And how fitting, too, with it being Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement.

Doug blew the shofar, and we read Psalm 1 over the boys, and Proverbs 31 over the girls. It was a very beautiful time. In the morning, we watched a 3 hour movie about Abraham. We read and studied the book of Hebrews. We took a couple naps. Praise YHVH for His feast days! Praise YHVH for letting us celebrate them, even in exile!

Now we look forward to Sukkot! Here a few printables we thought you would enjoy during Sukkot.

My week in a booth – a printable book about Sukkot from a child’s perspective

Torah family emagazine – Sukkot edition

Of tents and stars – a short children’s story about the Hebrew meanings of tents and stars and how they relate to Sukkot

Pine tree sukkah – a short children’s story about sukkahs and YHVH’s protection

Don’t forget to buy your copy of My First Torah before the Torah cycle starts over right after Sukkot!