Elizabethtown College students were recognized by Huffington Post in an article on Friday, Sept. 20 for the sukkah they constructed on the BSC patio in celebration of the Jewish holiday — Sukkot. Etown’s sukkah stood on the BSC patio Sept. 18 through Sept. 25.

Sukkot, sometimes called the “Feast of Tabernacles,” is a holiday celebrated by Jewish communities around the world.  A sukkah — a tent-like structure, is often put up in celebration of this holiday. The temporary shelters remind the Jewish believers of the 40 years that were spent wandering the desert. “For many contemporary Jews, the sukkah is a reminder that true security does not come through earthly or material possessions but rather through meaningful relationships with God, family and community,” Assistant Professor of Women and Gender Studies Dr. Amy Milligan said.

This is the second year Etown has hosted the celebration by building a sukkah on campus.  The event was planned by Milligan, with support from Hillel, the Chaplain’s Office, the Office of Diversity and the Better Together Campaign.  Assistant Chaplain Amy Shorner-Johnson also had a lead role in the planning.

Sukkot is celebrated after Rosh Hashanah — the Jewish New Year, and Yom Kippur — the Day of Atonement, and is open for all to celebrate regardless of religious background as a reminder of the joys people have in life. “At Etown, our sukkah is a reminder of sharing interfaith hospitality and represents our desire to welcome everyone to the table!” said Milligan.

During Sukkot, many Jewish individuals will eat meals in their sukkah as well as spend time with family and friends.

The sukkah located on the College’s campus was used for classes, club meetings, meals, studying and meeting with friends throughout the week.  Etown had also arranged many programs to educate the community on the celebration.  These programs included: meeting with professors and Milligan Munchies, Coffee with Coren and Brunch with Bergel and opportunities to make craft projects, including building edible sukkahs as well as setting up the sukkah on campus. “Our hope is that the sukkah will be used by many different people on campus as they enjoy the outdoors at the beginning of the fall season!” Milligan said.

The sukkah had many different visitors this week; the dedication event, which was hosted by Hillel, had almost 60 people attend from all different backgrounds including Jewish, Christian, Muslim, Hindu and Secular Humanists.  The celebration ended on Wednesday, Sept. 25.