C

OVID-19 has led to creativity and 
innovation in Jewish observance, and 
the trend continues with Sukkot.
Normally, Sukkot, the Festival of Huts, 
where temporary structures are built in yards 
to commemorate the temporary dwellings of 
Israelites during their 40 years in the desert, 
is a very social holiday. Celebrants welcome 
ushpizin — honored guests — into their suk-
kot and children enjoy “sukkah hopping” 
from one home to another, collecting treats at 
each. Congregations build large sukkot and 
hold communal meals.
Social distancing protocol makes these 
practices difficult, if not impossible, so 
this year congregations and individuals are 
improvising.
The leaders of Temple Beth El in 
Bloomfield Township thought about just not 
building their sukkah this year, but realized 
there are ways to use it safely. 
“The very nature of being an outdoor hol-
iday makes Sukkot a perfect opportunity for 
us to celebrate in a safe way,
” said Rabbi Mark 
Miller. 
Students who opt for Beth El’
s in-person 
program (others are learning virtually) are 
meeting outdoors while the weather is still 
nice, wearing masks and maintaining social 
distancing; they will help decorate the tem-
ple’
s sukkah, said Miller, as will preschoolers 
in the temple’
s early childhood center. 
Congregants will be invited into the suk-
kah in small groups during the weeklong 
festival. Blessings over the lulav — the bundle 
of four types of tree branches — and etrog, 
a citron, will be posted on the wall where no 
one has to touch it. Congregants will wear 
gloves to handle them.
Keter Torah in West Bloomfield normally 
erects a sukkah that seats 85. This year, Rabbi 
Sasson Natan is building one that will hold 
a table and four chairs for families that don’
t 
have a sukkah at home.
“They will do kiddush on wine and have 
a small piece of bread or cake — enough to 
fulfill the mitzvah of eating in the sukkah — 
and continue the festive meal at home,
” he 
said. No more than four people will be in the 
sukkah together, and all must wear masks.

20 | OCTOBER 1 • 2020 

Jews in the D

Sukkot during the pandemic.

BARBARA LEWIS CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Sukkot

Festival 
of Huts

Metro Detroit families adjust to celebrating

