Fun for Sukkot

By: Melissa Berman
Assistant Director of Arts & Culture
Jewish Community Center of Greater Baltimore

If you are like me, your memories of decorating the Sukkah include some type of paper chain creation. First, you would inevitably cut the paper strips to different widths and then you would contort the paper until it twisted just right. Once you found someone tall enough to help you hang it, the links would tear just as you stood back to admire your creation. Hardly the start to a joyous Sukkot!

But don’t let the paper chain fiascos of the past get you down!  Hidur Mitzvah (beautification) is a fun part of the Sukkot celebration in which the whole family can get involved.

Fruit and Veggie Banner
Since Sukkot celebrates the harvest time, why not create a fruit and veggie banner? Use heavy felt to cut out the various shapes. After this step is complete, cut holes in the shapes and thread them onto some ribbon. Then string and hang.
As an added benefit, your children may even want to eat their fruits and veggies, now that they’ve had a chance to “play with their food.”

Family Sukkot Celebration
You may have shaken a Lulav and Etrog but have you made an Etrog shake? On Thursday, October 4 from 5:30-7:00pm your kids can make and shake their own crafted Etrog Maracas during Deborah “Spice” Kleinman’s family friendly concert at the “J.”

This Family Sukkot Celebration will also include a craft table and fresh produce for sale by Kayam Farm and a short service led by our very own Rabbi Jessy Gross.

Artist in Action
You can also watch as the panels for our Sukkah are being created. Local silk painting artist, Alkesandra Fadeyeva will be making art in our lobby on Monday, Sept 24 from 9:00-11:00 a.m. and 5:00-8:00 p.m., Thursday, Sept 27 from 9:00-11:00 a.m. and 5:00-8:00 p.m. and Friday Sept 28 from 9:00-11:00 a.m.

As it is tradition to welcome others into your Sukkah, we invite you to wander through our Sukkah and enjoy your holiday with us.