Student Government Leads Sukkot Workshops

 by Jordan Bitton, SSLI '26

Between fourth and fifth periods today, Upper School students participated in Sukkot workshops and grade-bonding activities run by members of the executive government and grade representatives. The purpose of the workshops was to provide an opportunity to learn about Sukkot and to have some fun.

Sam Levenson, junior and treasurer on the executive student government, explained, “The program today had the executive student government run short, fun activities for the high school kids, themed around Sukkot.” These activities included “Sukkot-themed games of Taboo, Charades, Kahoot, and a matching game, as well as an activity about the Ushpizin [guests we invite into the Sukkah] and an activity about building Lego Sukkot.”

Levenson reflected on the operations of the event: “The organization and timing of the activity went well. Everyone was comfortable with where they needed to be. The students were engaged and wanted to participate, which made everything more fun and ran more smoothly.”

Students are engaged in the Sukkot activities (M. Resnick)

The holiday of Sukkot is one filled with joy and celebration. One of the many mitzvot that should be done on this holiday is to honor the Ushpizin. Each day of the holiday, we invite a spiritual guest to join us in our sukkah. Day one: Abraham; day two: Isaac; day three: Jacob; day four: Moses; day five: Aaron; day six: Joseph; day seven: David.

Levenson ran the “Ushpizin Workshop,” discussing “who the Ushpizin are [and] why they’re important to include in our celebration of Sukkot." Levenson said, "The students talked about specific figures like Moses and Miriam and discussed what values and beliefs they bring to our sukkah.” Students also discussed the “lessons they teach us as we go into the new year.”

Sophomore Liba Fruithandler shared that “The programs were a bunch of different activities with the student government, and they both taught us a lot and were super fun!” Fruithandler continued, “Afterwards, we had a grade activity and played Mafia.”

These programs were designed to remind students of the different elements of Sukkot. Fruithandler said, “I found meaning in coming together between the grades, just like the Jews did at the Temple on Sukkot.”

Students seemed to have a great time and gathered lots of new information about Sukkot. Fruithandler concluded, “I liked that we both learned things and had fun with our grade!”

Jordan Bitton is a writer for Paw Print Now and has been published on the site since November 2022. Jordan is currently a senior at Schechter School of Long Island and can be reached at the following email address: Jbitton26@schechterli.org