Rooftop Sukkah Was a Welcoming Haven for Teens in Crown Heights

By Gavriel Kollin

For years, youth in Crown Heights during simchas beis hashoeva have struggled with various social pressures. Many felt overwhelmed by a lack of healthy outlets and often turned to negative habits, including substance use and unhealthy relationships. But this year, the rooftop sukkah provided a welcoming, safe haven that resonated with the teens, offering them a unique opportunity to connect in a purposeful and uplifting environment.

The atmosphere in the sukkah was carefully crafted to be more than just a place to gather. Between the inspiring and relatable farbrengers coupled with catered food, it was designed to invite both reflection and a sense of belonging. The leaders who organized the sukkah nights were mindful of the challenges local teens faced, and they aimed to offer a positive alternative—a place where the teens could relax, feel accepted, and open up in meaningful conversations.

From 11 pm to 6 am every night the sukkah was filled with food, farbrengers, and the boys, altogether making an amazing vibe.

“Coming to the sukkah was like a breath of fresh air,” said one teen who had been struggling with peer pressure and substance use. “For the first time, I felt like I was part of something positive that cared about who I was on the inside.”

“If it wasn’t for this sukkah I have no idea how far I could’ve fallen…” said another teen.

One boy who was dating a non Jewish girl felt so inspired that he ended it right then and there.

Throughout the Yom Tov, dozens of teens visited the rooftop sukkah nightly. Activities were thoughtfully chosen to engage the teens on multiple levels, with a mix of kumzits, group farbrengans, and meaningful one on one conversations. There was laughter and crying.

One of the key aspects of the sukkah experience was the emphasis on building genuine connections. Instead of the fleeting and often problematic dynamics that many teens encounter in today’s social settings, the sukkah offered a different model—one grounded in respect, empathy, and support. Many boys, who often felt pressured by society’s expectations, appreciated the sukkah as a “holy space,” where they could escape some of the challenges and temptations around them.

“We wanted to show these young people that they have worth, that they’re part of something bigger,” said one of the organizers.

Plans are already underway to create more regular gatherings where the young chevre can continue to find positive engagement and explore their values in a safe environment.

In an era when teens are often left to navigate complex issues on their own, the rooftop sukkah stood out as a powerful reminder of the impact a a farbrengan can have. For many of the attendees, it was a turning point, inspiring them to live with greater purpose and connect more deeply with themselves and each other.

The rooftop sukkah may have been a temporary structure, but its effects have left an enduring mark on the hearts and minds of those who stepped inside.
For more information of how to be apart of peulos like this, reach out to Gavriel Kollin at 3103844286.