Edible Sukkah Making
INTRODUCTION:
Host an educational Tikkun Olam program where community members create (and eat!) an edible sukkah. Invite your community members to think about what Tikkun Olam topic they are interested and create a sukkah that stands for that topic.
Pro Tip: This can also be a great way to learn what your community is passionate about and help plan future Tikkun Olam programs!
MATERIALS:
- Gingerbread crackers
- Icing
- Fruit strips
- Candies
- Small thin, pretzel rods
- Any other food items that you want to include in sukkah construction
- Printed service learning sheet (below): What Does Your Sukkah Stand For?
PROGRAM OUTLINE (~60 minutes):
- Welcome guest into space
- Guide community members through the What Does Your Sukkah Stand For? service learning sheet
- Give time for folks to think about what their sukkah will stand for and time to construct their sukkah
- Invite folks to share with the group their sukkah they created and what Tikkun Olam topic it stands for
- Let folks eat their sukkah
Welcome and Framing (5 minutes)
- It is a mitzvah to shake the lulav and etrog during Sukkot. The lulav and etrog are also a reminder to us to take action:
- Citron/Etrog/אֶתְרוֹג: We open our heart to others
- Myrtle/Hadas/הֲדַס: We must use our lips to share positive and powerful words
- Willow/Aravah/עֲרָבָה: Our eyes are open to the injustice in our community
- Palm/Lulav/לוּלָב: We stand our spine straight up tall with our Jewish values.
- The sukkah remains open at all times so we can welcome in the ushpizin (אֻשְׁפִּיז – the guest) and so that we can be connected to our community.
Edible Sukkah Making
Today, we will each be creating our own edible sukkah. As the sukkah becomes a temporary home during Sukkot, the sukkah is often filled with decorations, art, and photos/memories of ancestors. As you create your sukkah today, we will ask, “what Tikkun Olam topic does your sukkah stand for?” Keep your answer in mind as you create your delicious sukkah and find ways to represent your answer in your creation. Be prepared to share your answers. If needed, explore some of the possible answers and texts below, look up local organizations who are dedicated to the same thing your sukkah will stand for, learn how this topic is affecting your local community, find action steps that can be taken, etc.
What makes a sukkah kosher:
- Roof – Must have more shade than sun. Must be able to see the stars. Made with things from the earth (s’chach – סְכָךְ)
- Walls – At least 2 full walls, and no more than 3 walls
Tikkun Olam Topic
What Tikkun Olam topic does your sukkah house stand for? Some possible answers:
- Immigration Rights
- Racial Justice
- Education for All
- An End to Hunger
- Housing Justice
- Supporting My Community
- Volunteering Alongside Neighbors
- Something Else?
Guiding Questions:
- What does your sukkah stand for?
- Why did you choose to dedicate your house to that?
- How did you represent your answer in your creation?
Service learning sheet to print below –What Does Your Sukkah Stand For?
