Historic Jewish celebration at Friargate
The first sukkah in York for over forty years was built on the terrace of Friargate Meeting House
The terrace at Friargate Meeting House in York was the setting for the first sukkah – a temporary shelter made out of branches, leaves, fruit and vegetables – built in the city in more than four decades.
The sukkah was made by members of the York Liberal Jewish Community to mark the week-long Jewish harvest festival of Sukkot. More than sixty children and adults from the community, together with a number of Friends, brought foliage, fruit and vegetables from gardens across the city for the sukkah.
Student Rabbi Deborah Blausten led an informal Sukkot service, waving the traditional lulav (a branch representing the main plant species in ancient Israel) and an etrog (a type of lemon, representing the country’s fruit).
She said: ‘It is at least forty years since anyone built a sukkah in York and for all we know this is the first ever. It is particularly appropriate that this community, which is growing so fast, is observing a festival that celebrates growth and harvest.’
The Liberal Jewish Community in York has worshipped at Friargate Meeting House since June 2014.
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