Sukkah in the Heart of the City

Decked with cedar schach and foliage both inside and out, Chabad of Midtown’s Bryant Park Sukkah stood out in sharp relief against the white marble of the Beaux Arts library.

This year, large windows were cut out of the Sukkah wall to increase airflow for Covid safety, flooding the sukkah with daylight. Yet another silver lining to these unprecedented times; The Sukkah was a sought-after outdoor destination, providing welcome relief from cramped apartments and offices.

Even during these challenging times, a steady stream of business people from surrounding office towers, local residents, holiday trippers and tourists stopped by. Some came in to make the blessings on the Lulav and Sukkah. Others stepped in just to enjoy the beautiful sukkah and surroundings.

For almost twenty five years, Rabbi Joshua and Brocha Chana Metzger have organized the construction of the spacious Sukkah at the epicenter of Manhattan, across the street from Chabad of Midtown at 509 Fifth Avenue.

Yudel Rader, Sarah Perel Metzger and Zvi Reines worked tirelessly to coordinate Sukkah logistics and organize gourmet holiday meals served in the NY Library Sukkah.

Yom Tov was capped off with lively Hakafot, sushi and holiday meals on the terrace of the NY Public Library. Safely distanced and masked, merrymakers celebrated the festival with joy, bringing much-needed happiness to the city at the center of the world.

*************************************************

As in years past, Chabad Midtown branches organized beautifully decorated and well attended public Sukkahs:

Down Fifth Avenue at historic Madison Square Park near 26th Street, Rabbi Levi and Perel Shmotkin of Chabad Young Professionals welcomed holiday visitors to a beautiful newly expanded Sukkah. A perimeter of windows near the top encouraged safety with enhanced circulation.

A lattice Sukkah in the spacious yard at Chabad Sutton Center & Preschool welcomed area families. A sukkah out front also welcomed street passersby. Guests enjoyed gourmet meals and children’s programs under the auspices of Rabbi Shmuel and Raizy Metzger.

University students from the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), Baruch College and Stern College attended events at the Sukkahs. Mrs. Malka Werde and Basya Hans spearhead student programming for all area colleges.

Rabbi Asher Webb and The Midtown Kollel invited people streaming by the library to make the blessing on the Lulav.

As in years past, a large Sukkah at Hudson Yards and The Highline was organized by Mendel Metzger, Avi Metzger, Chaim Fogelman and Levi Goldshmid. As an emerging corporate area and residential neighborhood struggling with Covid shutdowns, people’s spirits were lifted by the sight of the Sukkah. Chol Hamoed trippers also enjoyed meals and minyanim in the Sukkah there.

During the holiday season, The Chabad Relief Program, headed by Rabbi Noach Heber, distributed hundreds of food boxes to New York’s needy. For years, volunteers pack boxes of essential food staples for distribution at Chabad of the Plaza District.

Workers and visitors on 47th Street participated in Sukkot festivities organized by Chabad of the Diamond District.

Rabbi Chaim and Shaina Dray entertained members of the French and Moroccan communities in the Bryant Park Sukkah on Chol Hamoed.

*******************************************************************************

CHABAD MIDTOWN SUKKAH FUN FACTS:

– The Sukkah has architectural plans approved by the New York Department of Buildings.
– The Sukkah is equidistant between Times Square and Grand Central Terminal; Two blocks in either direction.
– The Sukkah is also equidistant between the Empire State Building and Rockefeller Center; Seven blocks in each direction.
– The Sukkah has been on Bryant Park premises for over 20 years. In years past, near the Sixth Avenue fountain, occasionally on the terrace directly behind the NY Public Library, and in recent years, in front of the library – on Fifth Avenue off 42nd Street.
– The late Edmond Safra – a great philanthropist and member of the Bryant Park board – was instrumental in starting the Sukkah in Bryant Park. The Sukkah is dedicated in his memory.
– Cedar s’chach is placed atop the Sukkah, as opposed to bamboo or dry mats, even though it’s more expensive and much harder to install. It’s lush appearance and fragrance enhances the overall experience.
-Only natural greenery and flowers are used to decorate the sukkah – all embedded along the walls and roof – nothing man made is used.
– Delicious, elegantly catered meals are served in the Sukkah on the holiday and Shabbat. In the interim days, local business people and Chol Hamoed trippers bring their own food to enjoy al fresco.
– Even this year, Israelis tourists visited Manhattan on their Sukkot vacation from work and school. In an ironic twist, if not for this Sukkah – many of them would not see a Sukkah over the entire holiday.
– Many non-Jews stop by to marvel at the Sukkah. The emphasis on nature – and the significance of Sukkot as the original ‘Harvest Festival’ piques the public interest and generates much goodwill.
– The contrast between one of the largest man-made areas of the world – Midtown Manhattan – vs. the greenery-laden Sukkah in its midst is quite the marvel. This floral wonder in the middle of the concrete jungle is a draw for thousands.