Sukkah at the World’s Crossroads

By COLlive reporter

Alongside The New York Public Library, Ripleys Believe It Or Not and Madame Tussauds – is Midtown Manhattan’s newest attraction. But if you’re interested in visiting, you’ll want to hurry up.

Chabad of Midtown’s famed Bryant Park Sukkah wraps up its annual stint near Times Square in just a few days.

Decked in fragrant cedar “schach” autumnal foliage, this sukkah at the proverbial “Crossroads of the World” sees foot traffic from a large cross-section of passersby.

Tourists trekking by, businessmen from the nearby office towers, families on chol hamoed trips, Israeli consulate staff and visiting dignitaries stop by during the Sukkos festival each fall.

They come by to make the blessings on the Lulav and Esrog, enjoy a customary holiday meal and make the “Leshev BaSukkah” blessing. Some just stop by to revel in this charmingly outfitted al fresco booth.

Many local residents who lack outdoor space at their city apartments rely on this Sukkah as a haven in which to celebrate the festival.

For over 15 years Rabbi Yehoshua Metzger and his wife Brocha have arranged for the construction and maintenance of the Bryant Park Sukkah – located down the block from their Chabad of Midtown Jewish Center – and where they host thousands of visitors each Sukkos.

Rabbi Metzger says that the Sukkah has been a source of blessing.

“We have met wonderful people at the sukkah- many of whom have gone on to become our dear friends. We are very grateful to all who make this Sukkah a success year after year.”