Contributed
As Jews across town put the finishing touches on backyard “sukkot,” Yeshiva of New Haven was instructing students on the finer points of one of the year’s most enjoyable Jewish holidays — including (in photo) inspecting a citron (“etrog”) that plays an important role.
The holiday’s name is Sukkot (or “Sukkos,” depending on which strain of Hebrew pronunciation one subscribes to). It features the building of “sukkot,” or booths, in which Jews eat their meals, say prayers, sometimes sleep, and generally hang out for seven days. (Read more about the holiday here.)
The Yeshiva, based at 765 Elm St., sent these photos of Rabbi Avi Hack teaching students about the holiday. Above, he’s pictured discussing the “lulav” used along with a fruit called an etrog (or citron) in a daily waving ritual associated with the holiday.
The Yeshiva also has a sukkah available for public use during the holiday; and pine branches for people who need them (as “schach”) to cover the roofs of their sukkot. For info call 203 – 786-3094. Call the number as well for details about a Sukkot community party open to the public next Monday night.