Creation of a Sukkah: A Children's Interfaith Event for the Family 

A sukkah is a temporary hut constructed for use during the week-long Jewish festival of Sukkot. It is topped with branches and often well decorated with autumnal, harvest or Judaic themes. The Book of Vayikra (Leviticus) describes it as a symbolic wilderness shelter, commemorating the time God provided for the Israelites in the wilderness they inhabited after they were freed from slavery in Egypt.

It is common for Jews to eat, sleep and otherwise spend time in the sukkah. In Judaism, Sukkot is considered a joyous occasion and is referred to in Hebrew as Yom Simchateinu (the day of our rejoicing) or Z’man Simchateinu(the time of our rejoicing), but the sukkah itself symbolizes the frailty and transience of life and its dependence on God.

Led by Rabbi Neil Comess-Daniels, our program offers an introduction to Sukkot for children and adults; learning to wave the “lulav” (a palm frond, myrtle and willow branches, and a citron), an important ritual during Sukkot; and making decorations for the Sukkah with arts and crafts materials while Rabbi Comess-Daniel explains the meaning and symbolism of Sukkot. Our 2013 event was a wonderful experience for all who participated.

 Click here to view a 3-minute video from our 2013 event.

Rabbi Neil Comess-Daniels, an Advisor to The Guibord Center, is the heart of Temple Beth Shir Shalom.  He uses his singing and musical talents to communicate the riches of the Jewish tradition to his congregation. His contemporary interpretation of ancient and modern texts enables the listener to personalize and apply them to daily life.

View and download a printable event flyer here

Important Information

All events at The Guibord Center are free and everyone is welcome to attend.

Our events are photgraphed and filmed, and made available on our web site to a worldwide audience. All participants under age 18 will need a release form signed by a parent or legal guardian.