Congregation Beth El made good use of its sukkah and the Sukkot holiday this year with programming covering a range of interests, ages and celebratory activities.
The festivities kicked off with the “First Annual Sukkah Raising,” which was held as part of the opening festivities for Religious School on Sunday, Sept. 15. Approximately 100 students and parents attended and helped create a variety of decorations and other projects.
Sharon Wasserberg, director of Congregational Learning, orchestrated fun and delicious activities for children during holiday services including edible sukkot made from graham crackers, fluff, nutella, pretzels, icing and more. Children also had a chance to make origami shofars and paper chains.
Several opportunities for adults to eat in the sukkah took place. The congregation celebrated Shabbat in the sukkah as more than 50 members shared dinner, catered by the Sisterhood, followed by a vibrant service led by Rabbi Jeff Arnowitz for the younger members. Dinner attendees also participated in the traditional Friday evening minyan led by Cantor Gordon Piltch.
On Monday, Sept. 23, Beth El Sisterhood gathered in the sukkah for a Women- About-Women program. The 20 attendees participated in a conversation about welcoming led by Wasserberg.
The men had their turn on Tuesday, Sept. 24 when Beth El Men’s Club gathered in the sukkah for Scotch tasting and steak followed by Torah study over cigars. Rabbi Arnowitz led the packed Sukkah of 70 men in the tasting and study.
The next day, Lunch & Learn was held for the first time this year as Rabbi Arnowitz led the participants in a study of Sukkot and its connection to Yom Kippur.