The Ushpizin: Welcoming Our Ancestors and Their Teachings into Our Lives

by Devora Levy

Sukkot is one of the most joyful Jewish holidays, celebrated with the building of temporary huts, called sukkahs, to remind us of the time our ancestors wandered in the desert. But there’s another tradition that many may not have heard of: the ushpizin. This is a custom of inviting seven symbolic guests—figures from Jewish history—into our sukkah. These guests, called the ushpizin, represent core values like kindness, strength, and perseverance.

Each day of Sukkot, a different ancestor is symbolically welcomed into the sukkah, offering us an opportunity to reflect on their character traits and what they can teach us about living meaningful, fulfilled lives today. Whether you’re religious or not, these figures carry universal values that we can all relate to.

Let’s take a closer look at who these ushpizin are, what they represent, and how we can connect their timeless lessons to our everyday lives.

Who Are the Ushpizin?

The ushpizin are the seven patriarchs and leaders of the Jewish people: Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, Aaron, Joseph, and David. Each night of Sukkot, we welcome one of these spiritual guests, drawing inspiration from their lives and the traits they represent. But more than just figures from the past, they are deeply connected to us as Jews. Their stories are our collective history, and their values are woven into the fabric of our identity.

What Do the Ushpizin Have to Do with Sukkot?

Sukkot is a time to reflect on the impermanence of physical comforts and our reliance on God. In the Zohar (Emor 103a), it is taught that each night, these holy guests descend from the spiritual realms into our sukkah, bringing their blessings and protection. By inviting them, we don’t just honor their presence; we draw down the spiritual light and values they embody, enriching our lives.

The Torah (Leviticus 23:42–43) also reminds us that the sukkah is a symbol of divine protection, just as God sheltered the Israelites in the desert. The ushpizin, representing different aspects of spiritual strength, remind us of the qualities we need to endure and thrive as a people.

The Character Traits of the Ushpizin — And How We Are Connected to Them

As Jews, we carry within us the legacy of these ushpizin. Their stories shape our spiritual DNA, and their traits are models for how we live our lives. Here’s a look at who each of them was, the values they represent, and how we can connect to them in daily life.

1. Abraham – Chesed (Kindness)

Abraham is the father of the Jewish people. His life was defined by his radical hospitality, even toward strangers. He was the first to open his heart to others and to recognize God’s presence in the world. As Jews, we inherit Abraham’s legacy of kindness. His trait of chesed challenges us to create a welcoming and compassionate world, beginning in our own homes.

Practical Connection: Start your day with a small act of kindness—whether offering help to a friend, showing patience with your family, or simply offering a warm greeting to a stranger. In doing so, you channel Abraham’s chesed.

2. Isaac – Gevurah (Strength and Discipline)

Isaac’s life was marked by quiet strength and inner discipline. He carried the weight of being bound on the altar, an experience that taught him the value of restraint and deep trust in God. We are connected to Isaac through our ability to endure challenges with faith. Every time we hold fast to our values, even in difficult situations, we are channeling Isaac’s strength.

Practical Connection: When faced with a difficult situation, pause and practice self-restraint. Whether it’s holding back a harsh word or staying true to a challenging commitment, you are embodying Isaac’s gevurah.

3. Jacob – Tiferet (Harmony and Truth)

Jacob, the father of the twelve tribes, represents the beauty of balance. His life was a journey toward truth and harmony—whether reconciling with his brother Esau or striving to create peace within his family. As descendants of Jacob, we are called to seek tiferet, the balance between kindness and strength, between spiritual ideals and daily realities.

Practical Connection: Seek opportunities to create harmony in your relationships. Whether it’s resolving a conflict or balancing competing demands, channel Jacob’s ability to bring peace and truth into your life.

4. Moses – Netzach (Perseverance and Leadership)

Moses, the greatest of our prophets, led the Jewish people out of slavery and toward the Promised Land. His life was one of tireless dedication to his people and to God. Every time we study Torah or persist in a difficult task, we connect to Moses’ netzach—the resilience to keep going, no matter the challenge.

Practical Connection: When facing a tough situation, remember Moses’ perseverance. Take a small, steady step forward, trusting that persistence will lead you toward success.

5. Aaron – Hod (Humility and Gratitude)

Aaron, Moses’ brother and the first High Priest, was known for his humility and his ability to create peace. He had a special gift for bringing people together, even in conflict. We inherit Aaron’s hod when we approach life with humility and aim to make peace in our communities.

Practical Connection: Look for opportunities to be a peacemaker. Whether in a family argument or among friends, aim to bring people together with humility and compassion.

6. Joseph – Yesod (Connection and Integrity)

Joseph’s story is one of resilience and integrity. Despite being sold into slavery, he rose to power and ultimately saved his family from famine. His ability to stay true to his moral foundations reminds us that strong, honest relationships are the foundation of a meaningful life.

Practical Connection: Strengthen your relationships by making time for meaningful conversations. Practice honesty and integrity, staying true to Joseph’s legacy.

7. David – Malchut (Leadership and Responsibility)

King David, the warrior and poet, established the monarchy in Israel and set the foundation for the future Messianic line. His leadership was rooted in humility and deep devotion to God. Each time we take responsibility—whether in our families, communities, or work—we embody David’s malchut.

Practical Connection: Embrace your responsibilities with humility. Strive to serve others, as King David did.

As we celebrate Sukkot, the ushpizin remind us that the traits they embody aren’t just historical virtues—they are blueprints for a meaningful life today. Their teachings of kindness, perseverance, and integrity guide us in how to be better partners, friends, and community members. By welcoming them into our sukkah and reflecting on their lessons, we carry their legacy forward, embracing the strength and wisdom they offer every day.