Written by Shlomit Ovadia of JCC Denver
As Coloradans, it’s almost second nature for us to pack our bags and willingly spend a weekend camping in the great Rocky Mountains. Yet, for the ancient Israelites who had just escaped Egypt’s oppressive grasp, living in the wilderness was not a choice. Rather, they were sentenced to the desert for forty years, where they would roam, building and taking down temporary homes under the guidance of Moses’ leadership.
The Torah-commanded holiday was practiced in ancient Israel as a pilgrimage to the Jerusalem-based holy Temple, where travelers would offer up their best crops and livestock and feast for seven days, while remembering the time they were once wanderers in an unknown land.
Today, we celebrate Sukkot by building temporary dwelling spaces in our backyards with leafy roofs, and then inviting friends and neighbors to sit and eat with us while we “camp out” in our sukkahs for the week.
Past Sukkot happy hour
On Wednesday, October 16, 2024, at 6:00 pm, JCC Denver will be hosting a Young Adult Sukkot Happy Hour inside JCC Denver’s very own Sukkah.
The event is hosted in collaboration with Moishe House Denver. Moishe House is a nationwide nonprofit organization geared towards young adults in their early 20s to early 30s who want to meet Jewish peers and explore Jewish culture in ways outside of going to synagogue. “This will be our third year partnering with Daniel Siegel of JCC Denver,” Denver Moishe House resident of 1.5 years, Jacob Zall, shares. Moishe House residents live together in a subsidized space, organizing about 7 events monthly that include Shabbat dinners, happy hours, trivia and board game nights, park meetups, and community service. “What I enjoy about this Sukkot event is how casual and relaxing it is, which is attractive for Jews like me who want to stay connected to their roots,” Jacob continues.
Enjoy an evening connecting with the young adult community at this informal event that will include food, drinks, and games. A lulav and etrog set will be available for those wanting to partake in the customary ritual. Make sure to wear layers as the weather may be chilly. Pricing is on a sliding scale of $10-$15. Buy tickets here
On Wednesday, October 16, 2024, at 6:00 pm, JCC Denver will be hosting a Young Adult Sukkot Happy Hour inside JCC Denver’s very own Sukkah.
