Ohio University’s Hillel plans to “mitzvah it up,” with its annual construction of a sukkah — or block-like structure that is covered with cloth on three sides — for Sukkot.
Sukkot is week-long Jewish festival, also called the “Festival of Booths,” in remembrance of the temporary huts that Israelites had to build while wandering in the desert for 40 years after leaving Egypt.
The meaning of the sukkah, or “booth,” is important with a celebration of agriculture and harvest. An allusion to Exodus is a representation to the booth as well, showing the makeshift structures that had to be inhabited by the Israelites.
Despite its higher meaning, building and decorating the sukkah is half the fun, organizers say.
“We have tried many different models over the years,” said Lauren Goldberg, assistant director of Hillel at OU. “The one that has worked the best consists of PVC piping and metal bolts.”
Monday at 2:30 p.m., volunteers will come ready to work and build the structure that will comfortably fit at least 12 people at a time. Nevertheless, there can never be too much help for this event, Goldberg said.
This year, Sam Rosenthal, a sophomore in the University College and brother of Alpha Epsilon Pi, is in charge of helping build the sukkah.
Members of Alpha Epsilon Pi offered their time to help build this year’s structure, said Sam Rosenthal, a sophomore in the University College and member of the greek organization.
There is a chance for the community to have their first meal in the sukkah and contribute to the decorating at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday.
Nicole Saltzstein, a senior studying business marketing, was in charge of running the decorating event.
“The mitzvah is a way for us to have fun and relax after a long day of classes,” she said. “There will be desserts, and music while we decorate the sukkah, and it’ll just be an all around good time. Natural materials, leaves, and foliage will overflow the structure by the time it is finished.”
For eight days, the sukkah will stand on Hillel’s porch as different ceremonies and celebrations are held for the festival.
“Formal as well as casual festivities are open all week,” Goldberg said. “Anyone is encouraged to eat in the sukkah, hang out, or even sleep. It’s really nice to just stop by and see if you’re walking by.”
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