Every year, during the intermediary days between Sukkot and Shemini Atzeret, I take my children to Neot Kedumim, a one-of-a-kind Biblical Landscape Reserve nestled halfway between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. It’s a magical place where the Bible comes to life, allowing us to experience the landscapes and traditions of our ancestors. One of the highlights of this visit is the sukkah exhibition, where visitors can see 20 different types of sukkot, each representing a distinct way to fulfill the commandment of building a sukkah. This essay will explore the variety of sukkot you can build, from simple backyard booths to more creative and unconventional structures, while keeping within the guidelines of Jewish law.
A sukkah, by definition, is a temporary hut used to commemorate the Israelites’ 40 years of wandering in the desert after their exodus from Egypt. It is an essential part of the Sukkot festival, as mandated in the Torah:
While the basic structure of a sukkah is straightforward—requiring at least two full walls and a portion of a third, with a roof made from natural, unfinished vegetation—there are endless possibilities for how one can creatively build and decorate their sukkah.
The first step to building a kosher sukkah is choosing the right location. It must be placed outdoors, where nothing obstructs the view of the open sky. Popular locations include backyards, porches, balconies, and rooftops. Once you’ve chosen your location, the next step is to gather materials. The walls can be made from wood, fabric, or even pre-existing structures like the sides of your house, as long as they’re sturdy enough to withstand normal wind conditions.
The roof, or schach, must be made from natural materials that are no longer attached to their source of growth—think bamboo poles, evergreen branches, or corn stalks. The schach must provide more shade than sun while allowing glimpses of the stars at night. These simple guidelines leave a lot of room for creativity, and that’s where Neot Kedumim’s sukkah exhibition comes in.
At Neot Kedumim, you can find sukkot of all shapes and sizes, inspired by teachings from the Talmud and Mishna. One of the most fascinating examples is the sukkah built on the back of a camel, as mentioned in Mishna Sukkah 2:3: “A sukkah on the back of a camel.” Though it may seem absurd to think of constructing a sukkah on an animal, the Talmud discusses whether such a structure would be valid for fulfilling the mitzvah. While Rabbi Meir argues that no living creature can serve as a sukkah wall due to the risk of it dying or escaping, other sages debate the details. Despite these technicalities, this example highlights the resourcefulness required of travelers in ancient times who still wished to observe Sukkot.
Other whimsical sukkot include a sukkah on the deck of a ship (Mishna Sukkah 2:3), a sukkah atop another sukkah (Mishna Sukkah 1:2), the side of an elephant can serve as a wall of the sukkah, and even the possibility of building a sukkah in a treetop. These structures aren’t just theoretical; they are constructed at Neot Kedumim, allowing visitors to walk inside and experience them firsthand. Each sukkah is accompanied by a quote from the Talmud or Mishna, connecting modern visitors with ancient texts and traditions.
For those who love to travel during Sukkot, building a sukkah on the go is an exciting option. In recent years, some have experimented with creating sukkot on cars. This practice, though unconventional, can be made kosher by using the car doors as two of the walls and securing a natural roof of bamboo poles or other materials. A car sukkah, emphasizing that the sukkah must have at least three walls, with the third wall often being the car itself. The schach must be placed on a framework that doesn’t sit directly on the car’s metal roof to ensure the structure meets halachic standards.
The car sukkah is not just a novelty; it provides a solution for observant Jews who wish to travel during Sukkot without having to rely on finding communal sukkot. With a bit of creativity and some basic materials, you can build a portable sukkah that allows you to eat and even sleep under the stars, fulfilling the mitzvah no matter where your journey takes you.
What makes the sukkah such a powerful symbol during Sukkot is its duality. It is both fragile and enduring, reminding us of the temporary dwellings of our ancestors while also representing God’s protective presence. Whether you’re building a simple sukkah in your backyard or exploring the more imaginative structures at Neot Kedumim, the sukkah serves as a reminder of faith, resilience, and the ability to adapt.
I look forward to visiting Neot Kedumim every year. Even as a seasoned Sukkah builder myself. It is an eye-opening experience. It showcases not only the intricacies of sukkah construction but also the endless possibilities for creativity within the framework of Jewish law. Whether you’re admiring a sukkah on a boat or learning how to make one on the back of a camel, the exhibition encourages us to think about tradition in new and dynamic ways, bringing ancient teachings to life.
As my children and I walk through the park each year, we are reminded of the beauty and flexibility of Jewish tradition—how it allows us to adapt, innovate, and find meaning in the most unexpected places. And that, perhaps, is the true essence of the sukkah.
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