Building a Sukkah

The best way to enjoy Sukkot is to build your own sukkah. For your frame, you will need to construct three walls. (For those who are less skilled with a hammer, prefab models are available online.) Each wall should be built simply and can be hinged to the others so that they stand easily. They should be held together well enough to stand for a week, and the frame will need to be strong enough to hold a canopy of bulrushes, corn stalks, greens and some wooden cross beams from which your decorations may hang. You should be able to see the stars through this natural roof.

Once your frame is in place, you may decorate the sides with pretty fabric, colorful paper or greens. Harvest items such as pumpkins, gourds and corn may hang from the ceiling, or mums may adorn your entry way. Make colorful paper chains or hang New Year’s cards. Be sure to bring in a table and chairs to enjoy your meals in your temporary dwelling place. If you are really handy, you can set up some lighting for use at night.

A couple of resources to get you started:

The Sukkah Project Sukkah Kit- Order the hardware and plans, then purchase the wood at your local hardware store. Easy and beautiful.

Sukkah Plans- Try this wood and metal sukkah. All of the supplies can be purchased locally.

Adapted from The Jewish Parent Page of the Union for Reform Judaism