Sukkot is the ultimate kid-friendly holiday. It is multi-sensory, outdoors, joyful noise is encouraged, and there is even a parade! Kids get to shake the lulav, smell the etrog and have picnics in the sukkah. On Simchat Torah it is customary to parade around with the Torahs, wave flags, and sing and dance at the top of your lungs – and did we mention that there’s usually candy? We’ve put together a list of some of the best ways to celebrate this family-friendly, harvest holiday near you.
Sukkot 2018 begins at sundown on Sunday. September 23 and continues through Sunday evening, September 30. Shemini Atzeret begins on Sunday evening, September 30 and concludes on Monday evening, October 1. Simchat Torah begins on Monday evening, October 1 and concludes on Tuesday evening, October 2.
PJ Library Celebrates Sukkot
Celebrate the multi-sensory, harvest holiday of Sukkot in the Hebrew Academy sukkah. Shake the lulav, sniff an etrog, have a snack, and enjoy a special holiday storytime. RSVP required.
The Hebrew Academy, 22 School Road East, Marlboro
Sunday, September 23, 10 – 11 a.m.
Bagels & Blocks
A monthly program for children ages 4 and under and their parents. Learn about Jewish values, holidays, and traditions through PJ Library stories, songs, and play. Free, and open to all. No RSVP required.
Monmouth Reform Temple, 332 Hance Ave, Tinton Falls
Sunday, September 23, 9:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Sukkah Decorating at Beth Mordecai
Create sukkah decorations for the synagogue sukkah and to take home.
Congregation Beth Mordecai, 224 High St, Perth Amboy
Sunday, September 23, 10 a.m.
Pizza in the Hut
A family-friendly holiday celebration followed by holiday services.
Temple Emanu-El, 100 James St, Edison
Sunday, September 23, 6 p.m.
Children’s Sukkot Services
A fun, engaging children’s Sukkot service, followed by lunch and snacks in the sukkah
Temple Beth Ahm of Aberdeen, 550 Lloyd Rd, Aberdeen
Monday, September 24, 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Shake the Lulav With Rabbi Metz at Menlo Park Mall
Learn to shake a lulav with Rabbi Metz from Congregation Beth Mordecai at the Menlo Park Mall food court, near Panera. Free
Menlo Park Mall, Rt. 1, Menlo Park
Wednesday, September 26, Noon
Children’s Sukkot Program
Crafts and snacks in the Sukkah.
Temple Beth Ahm of Aberdeen, 550 Lloyd Rd, Aberdeen
Sunday, September 30, 11 a.m.
Tot Shabbat in the Sukkah
Join Rabbi Shira and Mr. Sam for a special tot Shabbat in the sukkah with pizza.
Temple Rodeph Torah, 15 Mohawk Dr, Marlboro
Saturday, September 29, 9:15 – 10 a.m.
Mitzvah Man and the Etrog Escapade
A fun and interactive holiday experience for all ages. Help the Mitzvah Man save the holiday of Sukkot.
Perrineville Jewish Center, 855 Perrineville Rd, Perrineville
Sunday, September 30, 2-3:15 p.m.
Rock Simchat Torah
Sing, clap and rock out in celebration of Simchat Torah.
Temple Rodeph Torah, 15 Mohawk Dr, Marlboro
Sunday, September 30, 6-8:30 p.m.
Simchat Torah Celebration for Young Children
Celebrate the holiday of Simchat Torah by singing and dancing with the Torah.
Highland Park Conservative Temple-Congregation Anshe Emeth, 201 South 3rd Ave
Monday, October 1, 6:15 – 7:15 p.m.
Simchat Torah Spectacular
Celebrate the holiday of Simchat Torah with songs, dancing, and a fun dinner with mac and cheese and make-your-own sundaes for dessert. RSVP requested. Free.
Congregation Torat El, 301 Monmouth Rd, Oakhurst
Monday, October 1, 6 – 8 p.m.
Brought to you in partnership with the Jewish Federation in the Heart of New Jersey
