Jewish News staff report
Sukkot begins at sundown on Sept. 29, five days after observing Yom Kippur.
During this Jewish autumn festival, many families, congregations, and schools build a sukkah, a temporary structure with three walls and an organic roof that provides shade and a view of the stars. This shelter reminds of the temporary dwellings built by the Israelites when they were wandering through the desert after their exodus from Egypt. For eight days, the sukkah becomes a temporary home where meals are eaten, and time is spent with family and friends.
Looking for a sukkah or to attend a Sukkot event this season? Here’s how area synagogues (listed alphabetically) are celebrating the holiday this year with events that are open to the community.
B’nai Israel
B’nai Israel Congregation will serve a deluxe kiddush in its sukkah after services throughout the holiday.
The annual Sukkah Hop in Ghent occurs on the first day of Sukkot, Saturday, Sept. 30. A Dedication of the Low Family Playground takes place on Monday, Oct. 2 and will feature kids’ activities, a bounce house, and refreshments in the sukkah.
Contact B’nai Israel Congregation at office@bnaiisrael.org.
Beach Community Shul
Beach Community Shul’s sukkah will be open throughout the holiday.
“Big Fancy Dinner” takes place on Friday, Sept. 29, at 7 pm at 3400 Holly Road in Virginia Beach.
A community-wide event takes place Tuesday, Oct. 3 at the home of Naty and Nir Chorev, featuring entertainment for all.
Young Professionals in the sukkah on Wednesday, Oct. 4 and Thursday, Oct. 5 at 7 pm, at Beach Community Shul.
For all events, RSVP at www.JewishVB.org.
Chabad
Chabad will host holiday meals for the community on Friday night, Saturday, Saturday night and Sunday, starting September 29; Sunday lunch will include members of the Jewish community from Harbors Edge.
CTeen and their families are invited for dinner and a program on Sunday, Oct. 1.
A child-oriented, community dance party with snacks in the sukkah will be held on Wednesday, Oct.4.
A steak and scotch event for adults takes place on Thursday, Oct. 5.
Call Chabad at 757-616-0770 for more information.
Congregation Beth El
Open House Sukkah Decorating Party takes place on Thursday, Sept. 28, 4 – 7 pm.
Shabbat dinner will be served in the sukkah on Friday, Sept. 29.
A Kiddush luncheon in the sukkah will follow services on Saturday, Sept. 30 and Sunday, Oct. 1.
The weekly Lunch and Learn will be in the sukkah on Wednesday, Oct. 4.
RSVP for the Shabbat dinner to noelle@bethelnorfolk.com.411
Kempsville Conservative Synagogue (KBH)
A festive, seated, kiddush luncheon will be served in the sukkah following services on the first two days of Sukkot, Saturday, Sept. 30 and Sunday, Oct. 1.
Call 757-495-8510 for more information.
Maimonides Health Center, formerly known as Beth Sholom Village
Sukkot will be celebrated on Monday, Oct. 2 at 2:30 pm. This event is open to residents and their families.
Ohef Sholom Temple
Kiddush will take place in the sukkah following Shabbat services on
Friday, Sept. 29.
Men’s Club and Sisterhood will sponsor Shake It in the Sukkah on Wednesday, Oct. 4 at 6 pm, where mocktails and cocktails related to Sukkot will be “shaken” for adults 18 and older.
Reservations are required for both events. Call the office at 757-425-6295.
Temple Emanuel
Sukkot first Day – Saturday, Sept. 30, kiddush will take place in the sukkah after services.
Burgers & Brews in the Sukkah – Wednesday, Oct. 4, 6 pm.
RSVP to 757-428-2591.
Temple Israel
Shabbat dinner cookout in the sukkah on Friday, Sept. 29.
Kiddush lunch in the sukkah will follow services on Saturday, Sept. 30 and Sunday, Oct. 1.
RSVP to the Shabbat cookout by calling 757-489-4550.