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by Moshe Berman
Sukkot is a holiday of many themes. The four species, the food, the friends and family, the atmosphere… I could go on for days (seven days, really)… In an event led by the National Jewish Outreach Program (NJOP), in conjunction with the Bialystoker Synagogue, all of the aforementioned themes (and more) of Sukkot were blended together in perfect balance to bring together Lower East Side residents from far and near to celebrate “Sukkot Across America.” Last Sunday, the Seward Park Sukka sereved as one of 18 locations across the United States participating in the event, sponsored by Mr. Sam Domb.
I saw signs up all over the neighborhood and decided to crash the party.
A table was put outside of the beautiful Sukka with a Lulav and Esrog on display, with a printing of the appropriate blessing to say when shaking the Lulav and Esrog, along with an English translation.
Meanwhile, inside the Sukka there were chairs and tables set with refreshments. Musical entertainment was provided by Mr. Rueven Dannenberg “and cooperators.”
Rabbi Tzvi Romm, spiritual leader of the Bialystoker Synagogue, describes the event as “a way to show people that Judaism isn’t just about sitting in synagogue [for hours] and saying Kaddish. It’s an outreach program.” I got a word from Mr. Joseph Cunin over a sugar coated jelly cookie. He says: “I try to go to the Sukka at least once every year. I’m glad they did this.”
That cookie was really good. I’m glad that they did it, too.