You Have a WHAT in Your Sukkah?!
Growing up, I remember the excitement of bringing out “The Box” from our cedar closet. Inside was our ever-growing collection of sukkah decorations. There were posters I knew by heart after spending hours in the sukkah, handmade projects lovingly crafted in school under the guidance of a super creative morah, and the occasional stray grape that had fallen off the plastic vine hanging from our sechach.
But hands down, my favorite parts of sukkah decorating were the little touches that made it feel like home. Because for one week, it is home! After all, one of the goals of Sukkot is to spend as much time as possible in our temporary huts as we reflect on the transience of life.
As you prepare your sukkah this year, consider adding some unexpected touches to make it homier, more fun and even a place that invites questions. (Even though we don’t officially ask the Mah Nishtanah on Sukkot, encouraging curiosity is always a good thing!)
Fun Seats: Beanbags, a mini hammock or one of those tiny plastic tables and chairs for kids can make the sukkah feel extra inviting. We say a berachah when we sit. We might as well be comfy and enjoy it!
Mystery Exhibit: What if each meal (or each night) of Sukkot featured a surprise item in the sukkah? (For a fun effect, it can be placed in a glass or glass-like box.) Place it on the table and challenge everyone to connect it back to Sukkot in some way. For example, you might include a mini suitcase to represent traveling through the desert or an item from one of the ushpizin (guests). See the interesting connections and divrei Torah people come up with.
Center Stage: On a similar note, centerpieces can become great conversation starters. A cloud-themed table with cotton balls can remind us of the Ananei Hakavod (Clouds of Glory). Little happy emoji stickers can represent Zeman Simchatenu (the Season of Joy). Even a playful Lego centerpiece shaped like a sukkah could be a fun addition.
Magnetic Tiles: They never fail. Toddlers to teens can spend hours building. (Adults can too!) Challenge your sukkah guests to build mini sukkot out of the tiles.
Covered Up: If your sukkah walls feature the same posters year after year, try covering parts of them with sticky notes. See who can fill in the missing words from memory. Or borrow a game my father often played: “Close your eyes . . . . Who can answer this question based on a poster in this sukkah?” It’s simple, but it gets everyone engaged.
Book Nook: Make a cozy reading corner, even in a small sukkah. Hang a narrow book sling from the wall or set out a small basket with Sukkot-themed books, magazines or even printable activity sheets. It can be a quiet retreat for anyone who needs a moment to recharge.
Game Corner: Add some board games or card games that are easy to play at the table. You can even make a “Sukkot Trivia” game with questions about the chag. This will keep people in the sukkah for longer, which is always a plus.
It’s almost time to pull out your dusty, cobwebbed version of “The Box” from wherever it’s stored and get ready to decorate the sukkah!
The only question is . . . what unique item will you include this year?
Sari Kopitnikoff is an experiential educator, digital artist and content creator who is passionate about creating books, games, activities and shows that bring Judaism to life. You can find her books, games and lots of educational activities on her website, thatjewishmoment.com and on social media, @thatjewishmoment.