Sukkot and Simchat Torah celebrations and programming followed the High Holidays for KU Hillel students in 5783.
KU Hillel also put up a sukkah on its patio and used it for programs.
Suzy Sostrin, executive director, said that after fall break, when students returned to campus, “[KU Hillel] launched into exciting Jewish learning surrounding [Sukkot and Simchat Torah]. It is important as a pluralistic organization to give our students many different ways to experience Jewish traditions.”
KU Hillel staff arranged the building of the sukkah during the United States Women's National Soccer team’s game against England. To keep with the theme, British snacks were provided. Avi Blitz, Senior Jewish Educator, is British-Israeli, and discussed his home team’s chances while building the sukkah with fans of the U.S. team.
“KU Hillel is the students' home away from home, because they cannot build and decorate sukkahs at the dorms and apartments,” Blitz said. “They enjoyed coming to Hillel to shake the lulav.”
Following the sukkah’s set up, KU Hillel held daily programs and events inside it. During Wellness Wednesday — a weekly drop-in time for students to come to KU Hillel to destress and do activities — the students were able to hang out in the sukkah and have bowls of homemade matzah ball soup.
“Wellness Wednesday is such a great part of my week, and getting to spend it in the sukkah was so special,” said Ella Atlas, a sophomore. “I enjoy hanging out with my friends at Hillel, and the soup was a great treat.”
That night, the Drink Like a Grownup program took place with sangrias in the sukkah for all the seniors over age 21 to enjoy. Led by Avi Blitz, this class infuses Jewish learning and conversations. Blitz shared stories about Sukkots all over and facilitated a discussion on traditions with students.
“Drink Like a Grownup also gives our seniors time to discover their own Jewish traditions that they will take with them after graduation,” Blitz said. “I enjoyed having this evening together in our sukkah.”
To conclude the week of Sukkot at KU Hillel, the S’mores Havdalah event had students getting together for a student-led Havdalah service and then making their way next door to the HERE apartments to be in its hot tub and eat s’mores.
After the weekend, KU Hillel started everyone's week with Torah Scrolls and Sushi Rolls to learn more about Simchat Torah while eating some sushi together.
“I love the creative events Hillel has been providing,” said Hannah Smuckler, a sophomore. “There’s always a different audience that comes along to each one, which is a great way to meet people I didn’t know before and make new Jewish friends.”
After the sushi, everyone gathered around to roll out the Torah and learn more about the holiday.
“I loved learning more about the Torah and understanding more about Simchat Torah,” said David Marx, a senior.
KU Hillel’s largest Shabbat of the year, Rock Chalk Shabbat, will be held on Friday, Nov. 4, in Lawrence, Kansas. Community members, alumni, parents and friends of KU Hillel are invited to join for a Shabbat dinner, services and dessert.
