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CNU Hillel Brings Sukkot to Life on Campus

From the moment it began taking shape to the celebrations held inside it all week long, the CNU Campus Sukkah became a warm and welcoming part of campus life.

Throughout Sukkot, the sukkah gave students a place to gather, learn, celebrate and simply enjoy one another's company. Professor Vered Sakal brought her Jewish Studies class outside the classroom and into the sukkah, and on a beautiful Wednesday afternoon, students gathered there over ice cream sundaes. The space quickly became a hub of activity and connection for Hillel students and the wider campus community.

For Professor Sakal's Hebrew Bible students, the sukkah offered a hands-on window into Jewish tradition.

"The Hillel Sukkah was a great educational opportunity to introduce CNU students to the richness of Jewish life and tradition," said Sakal. "The students of the Hebrew Bible class learned about the biblical and rabbinical origins of the holiday, got to visit a real Sukkah and see (and smell) the four species. This was an example of the wonderful cooperation between CNU's Hillel and CNU's Jewish Studies program, and the great work they do at CNU."

From educational moments to sweet treats and plenty of laughter, each gathering brought the traditions of Sukkot to life and created new opportunities for friendship.

None of it would have happened without the people behind the scenes. We send a very special thank-you to Cynthia Huynh, Coordinator of Intercultural Engagement, whose efforts made it possible for the sukkah to stay up and open for the entire week. Her work gave students a place to come together and experience the joy of Sukkot right here on campus.

The Hillel E-Board students, Sammie, Dagan, Drew and Crowe, handled the logistics and care of the sukkah, working every day to make Sukkot a visible and vibrant part of campus. Bravo, CNU Hillel!

The CNU Campus Sukkah was more than a structure. It was a place of community, celebration and connection. We are grateful to everyone who helped build it, gathered in it and made it such a welcoming part of the campus experience.