Sukkot begins on October 12th this year, and there are many opportunities to celebrate the holiday in style throughout the Boston area. Originally an argicultural tradition, Sukkot commemorates how the Israelites lived while wandering in the desert, and recognizes the bounty of the harvest season.
Want to share a meal in the Sukkah , attend a text study under the stars, or hang out in a hut during your lunch break? There are many Sukkot open to the public, where you can mingle, eat, and celebrate. So whether you live in the heart of Boston or out in the 'burbs, there's a Sukkah for you!
If you have a favorite Sukkah that isn't listed here, or have any other suggestions for celebrating the holiday, feel free to add your thoughts to the comments section.
Boston:
There's a spacious Sukkah outside of the
Old State House (45 School St.), where you can bring your lunch and hang out with a large and diverse crowd. The location can't be beat, and the setting is quintessentially Boston.
Head over to the
Vilna Shul with Havurah on the Hill (18 Phillips St.) to help build their Sukkah on October 9th at 12 pm, and make history come alive at this historic Jewish landmark (the last remaining immigrant era synagogue). Go back throughout the week for casual gatherings and don't forget
Shabbat dinner in the Sukkah (October 14th, $10)
Cambridge:
Relieve your college days by heading over to the Sukkah at Harvard Hillel (52 Mt Auburn St.). open to the young and the young at heart! They'll be hosting a Sukkah decorating extravaganza on October 9th at 11 am, as well as a pizza and beer event for graduate students and young professionals on October 18th at 7:30 pm. There will also be several community meals in this large and bright Sukkah ($18 for guests).
Temple Beth Shalom of Cambridge (Tremont Street Shul) will be hosting some fun events in its large Sukkah. Check out their annual Sukkot potluck on October 12th at 6:30 pm. The event is free, but don't forget to contribute a dairy/pareve dish! The Sukkah is also open throughout the week, so visit during your lunch break (8 Tremont St.).
Looking for a convenient and family-friendly Sukkah? Head to
Congregation Eitz Chayim (136 Magazine St.), which is walkable from the Central Square T Stop in a quiet residential neighborhood. It's also close to Whole Foods and Trader Joe's, so you can do it picnic-style in their Sukkah! You can help build the hut on October 9th at 10:30 am, or stop by throughout the week.
Brookline:
The Chai Center of Brookline (105 Paul St.) is a casual gathering space for young adults and families alike. Bring your own meals throughout the week, and don't forget to check out
Sushi in the Sukkah - think endless amounts of spicy tuna (October 16th, $10).
What happens when you combine the Sukkot celebration with a great kosher restaurant? See for yourself in the
Café Eilat Parking Lot (406 Harvard St.), where you can order anything off their menu and then eat your meal in a fun and spacious Sukkah. Sample a wide assortment of pizzas, paninis, falafel, salads, and more.
The
Moshe Kavod House (165 Winthrop Rd), a community for Jewish young adults with a passion for social justice, will be
building and decorating its Sukkah on October 9th at 3 pm. Stop by for casual gatherings throughout the week, and don't miss the
Sukkot party (October 16th at 5 pm), replete with music, Jewish learning, and lots of lulav shaking.
Looking for a huge Sukkah with ample table space?
Young Israel of Brookline (62 Green St.) has got you covered. Bring your own kosher food and enjoy some mingling with the Brookline community.
Kehillat Israel (384 Harvard St.) will be hosting a handful of events in their L-shaped, beautifully decorated sukkah. Check out
Stew-Kot on October 14th at 7 pm for a Shabbat dinner of vegetarian stew (sides are dairy/vegan potluck, so be sure to bring something). Come back on October 16th at 5 pm for
BBQ and Book in the Sukkah - stock up on some kosher meat to grill and stick around for a book talk. KI's Young Leadership Division is also throwing a
pizza party under the stars on October 18th at 7 pm. It’s their most popular event of the year, so get there early and be prepared to mingle ($5 for members, $8 for non-members).
Brighton:
The Shaloh House (29 Chestnut Hill Ave.), boasts a large and elaborate Sukkah, and you're free to bring kosher meals throughout the week. They're hosting a Family Sukkot Extravaganza on October 16th at 3 pm, complete with Jewish music and dancing, a clown show, pony rides, and a plentiful barbeque.
Newton:
The Chabad of Newton Centre (32 Loring St.) will be hosting Soup in the Sukkah, on October 18th at 8 pm. And feel free to stop by with your bagged kosher lunch throughout the week!
Medford:
Tufts Hillel will be hosting several events in its spacious Sukkah that are open to the community. Swing by on October 12th at 5 pm to decorate the Sukkah (arts and crafts supplies provided!) and decorate some cookies when you're finished. And come back on October 17th at 7:30 pm for S'mores in the Sukkah to take part in roasting marshmallows on an open flame and then eating your creations under the stars!
