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We were delighted to be able to gather in the sukkah this sukkot after an attenuated observance in 2020.  We are lucky to live in southern California with a climate similar to Israel so we can build our sukkah as our compatriots in Israel and probably our ancestors in ancient times did with palm fronds for s’chach (covering of the sukkah).  For many years a group of congregants has trekked out a few days before the holiday to gather the fronds.  At one time they were gathered as Pasadena trimmed street trees, but for nearly 10 years now we have been very fortunate to be able to cut them at the LA county Arboretum under the guidance of arborist Jim Hendrich.  The arrangements were originally facilitated by Nancy Carlton as volunteer coordinator for the Arboretum.  This year’s team of s’chach cutters (Stacy Sharp, John Carlton, Elliott Mazur, Phil Callahan, Susan Auerbach, Stephanie Ivler) are shown in the picture ready to go.  There was an excellent crop so over 200 fronds were cut to thatch the succah.  The religious school provided decorations to make for a festive holiday.