Celebrating Sukkot: A Kosher Holiday Away from Home
Are you planning a glatt kosher tour and wondering how to celebrate Sukkot away from the comfort of your own sukkah? Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered. Sukkot is a joyous festival that commemorates the forty years the Jewish people spent wandering the desert and living in temporary shelters. One of the central rituals of Sukkot is the construction of a sukkah, a temporary dwelling that serves as a symbol of this period.
Whether you’re embarking on a kosher holiday, or simply find yourself away from home during Sukkot, you can still partake in this meaningful tradition. Here’s how to build a sukkah away from home:
Plan Ahead
The key to successfully celebrating Sukkot while traveling is planning. Before you embark on your trip, research your destination. Find out if there are any local synagogues, Chabad houses, or Jewish communities that might have communal sukkahs available for use. Many cities around the world set up public sukkahs during the holiday, which can be a convenient option.
Pack Sukkot Essentials
When packing for your vacation, make sure to include essential sukkah-building items. These may include schach (the natural covering for the sukkah), decorations, and the “sechach” (the roof covering). You can either purchase these items locally if available or bring them with you. Lightweight and collapsible options are ideal for travel.
Portable Sukkah Kits
If you’re worried about finding materials or have limited packing space, consider investing in a portable sukkah kit. These kits are designed for easy assembly and disassembly, making them perfect for travelers. They come in various sizes, so choose one that fits your needs.
Check with Accommodations
If you’re staying in a hotel or vacation rental during your kosher holiday, check with your accommodation provider. Some hotels, especially those in areas with a significant Jewish population, may have sukkahs available for guests. Make sure to inquire well in advance, as they may have limited space.
Embrace Nature
If you can’t find a sukkah or suitable materials, consider building a makeshift sukkah outdoors. You can use existing structures like a gazebo or a sturdy tree for support. Attach schach to the top and decorate it to create a suitable sukkah.
Join Local Celebrations
Another option is to join local Jewish community celebrations. Synagogues, Chabad houses, and community centers often host communal sukkahs where you can participate in Sukkot festivities with fellow travelers.
Celebrate with Your Travel Group
If you’re on a glatt kosher tour, take advantage of the opportunity to celebrate Sukkot with your fellow travelers. The tour organizers may have arrangements for building a sukkah or celebrating the holiday together.
Remember the Blessings
Regardless of where you find yourself, don’t forget to recite the blessings and shake the lulav and etrog — essential Sukkot rituals — inside your sukkah or at the local communal sukkah.
Celebrating Sukkot away from home can be a unique and memorable experience during your glatt kosher tour or kosher holiday vacation. It’s an opportunity to connect with local Jewish communities, embrace the spirit of the holiday, and create lasting memories. So, plan ahead, pack smart, and enjoy the festival of Sukkot, no matter where your travels take you.
