Sukkot and Simcha Torah at Etz Chayim
Build & Decorate the Sukkah
Sunday, October 5 at 10:00 AM
Everyone is welcome! From 10 AM to 1 PM, we will bring the boards and panels out from the storage shed, assemble and lift the frames and rafters and install support boards on which to attach the wall fabric. We will need a few teams to work together on each task. When the roof and walls are complete we raise the Schach on the roof and string some lights. We can use a few step ladders if you can bring it in your car. Two years ago the old Sukkah required driving about 500 screws. The new Sukkah uses less than 100 driven screws and uses more threaded bolts and nuts for the assembly. The goal is to make it easier and safer to assemble! Join us. Event led by James Baloun
Please click here to sign up.
Opening Night Service & Picnic Style Dinner
Monday, October 6 at 6:30 PM
Bring your own picnic dinner to eat in the sukkah after a joyful service. Event led by Rabbi Chaim
Please click here to sign up.
Men’s Night in the Sukkah
Tuesday, October 7 at 6:30 PM
Join Etz men for our traditional night in the Sukkah. This is also an opportunity to shake the lulav and shmooze with the Rabbi. Please bring your favorite nibblies and/or drinks to share. Please sign up using the link below so we can plan accordingly and know how many participants to expect.
Event led by Don Goer
Please click here to sign up.
Middle School Mishpacha Night in the Sukkah
Wednesday, October 8 at 6:30 PM
Our Gesher (6th grade) and Hineini (7th & 8th grade) students and parents will gather in the sukkah for dinner and learning. This Mishpacha Night is an opportunity to get to know other families in our Middle School program, enjoy a meal together, do the Sukkot mitzvot of sitting and eating in the sukkah and of waving the lulav and etrog. We will be exploring some of the Biblical texts associated with the celebration of Sukkot, also known as Z'man Simchateinu, the time of our Joy. Each registered student should be accompanied by at least one adult family member. Families will sign up to bring something to contribute to our potluck. Event led by Abra Greenspan
Please click here to sign up.
Women’s Night in the Sukkah
Thursday, October 9 at 6:30 PM
Our women’s night in the sukkah is all about strengthening together. We’ll begin with an empowering Krav Maga introduction class led by KravZone instructor Beth, who will guide us in building confidence and resilience. Later, we will enjoy a potluck dinner filled with good food and warm conversation. Please wear comfortable clothes you can move in and tennis shoes for the class. Please don’t forget to sign up for the potluck so we can enjoy a variety of dishes and make the evening even more special. Event led by Yael Saggie and Krav Maga Instructor, Beth from KravZone
Please click here to sign up.
Service and Jews Tell Jokes Night in the Sukkah
Friday, October 10 at 6:00 PM
Sukkot is known as the “Season of our Joy.” What better way to experience joy than via humor? At some point (preferably, after the service) hilarity will ensue as Etz members will do stand-up comedy. There will be an etrog and a lulav. We follow James Bond’s instructions for the lulav: “shaken, not stirred.” Event led by David Waksberg and dinner by Yael Saggie
Please click here to sign up.
K-5th Grade Fun in the Sukkah
Saturday, October 11, 4:00 PM
Open to the community Sukkot fun and Backyard exploration led by our Etz teens. Enjoy free activities, hang out with friends in the Sukkah and snacks, dancing and relay race, Funny Sukkot skits, shake the lulav and s’mores for dessert. Event led by Aliza Savransky
Please click here to sign-up.
Tween-Teen Sleepover in the Sukkah
Saturday, October 11 at 6:30pm- Sunday, October 12 at 9:30AM (Religious school starts)
Open to tweens and teens in 6th grade and up! Join us for an unforgettable night under the stars as we celebrate Sukkot together! This year’s theme is Strength—the strength of community, friendship, and joy. We’ll fill the sukkah with laughter, late-night silliness, crafts, games, and plenty of time to just hang out with friends. Bring your sleeping bag, your sense of humor, and get ready to make some amazing memories in the Etz sukkah. Event led by Wendy Hornstein
Please click here to sign up.
Religious School Lunch in the Sukkah
Sunday, October 12 at 11:30 AM
Dining in the sukkah is not only a mitzvah, but can be a great way to meet other Etz Parents and create memories with your children! Please join us on Sunday, October 12th for our annual Etz Family Lunch in the Sukkah! This will be a potluck event, with Etz providing the main dishes. Please sign up to bring fruit, veggies, sides, desserts, OR help with setup or clean up here! We can't wait to celebrate Sukkot with you! Event led by Aliza Savransky
Please click here to sign up.
Shira Ba'Sukkah (Singing in the Sukkah)
Sunday, October 12 at 6:30 PM
Join us in the Sukkah for an evening of Israeli songs that celebrate spirit, resiliency, and strength. Together, we’ll explore how each of us - as individuals, as a community, as the Jewish people, and as human beings - can grow stronger, carrying this theme through music and song. No Hebrew knowledge needed - just bring your spirit, your friends, and something to nosh for a night of music, connection, and joy. Please sign up to bring something to share and/or help with setup or clean up. Event led by Tova Birnbaum, Sigal Vardi and Alon Saggie
Please click here to sign up.
Simchat Torah
Monday, October 13 at 6:00 PM
We would love to welcome our Etz members, their friends, and family once again to celebrate Simchat Torah and enjoy a festive dinner. This year, I am once again delighted to organize our beloved Simchat Torah Dinner, something I’ve had the joy of coordinating for the past five years. I’m hoping this year’s celebration will be just as wonderful as in years past! As a strong and vibrant Etz community, we will come together to enjoy a delicious meal thoughtfully prepared by Chef J, gathering under one Sukkah to share not only food but also connection, joy, and meaning. This dinner is about more than what’s on the table—it’s about strengthening our bonds, celebrating the completion of another annual Torah reading cycle, and embracing the spirit of the new year together. After dinner, Rabbi will lead us in spirited singing and dancing, filling our Beit Knesset with the joy and energy that make Simchat Torah so memorable. Event led by Rabbi Chaim, Etz Faculty and Julia Kutik Fee: $10 per household for Etz members. $25 per household for non-members.
Please click here to sign up.
Take down and put away the Sukkah
Sunday, October 19 at 10:00 AM
From 10 AM to 1 PM, we will disassemble the Sukkah and sort the materials the way they are stored in the shed. The goal is to have easier access to the shed and store the frames in matched pairs so they are ready for next year. Event led by James Baloun
Please click here to sign up.
