After the seriousness of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur comes the festive, outdoorsy holiday of Sukkot where Jews are actually commanded to have fun. Seriously. We’ve rounded up a list of ways to celebrate in the Metro Detroit area. Most of these events are for families—but one or two are just for grown-ups—because sometimes you just need to get out of the house.
Parents with kids ages 8 and under: Be sure to mark your calendars for PJ Library’s fall family event at Bowers Farm.
Sukkot 2016 begins on Sunday evening, Oct. 16 and continues through Sunday evening, Oct. 23.
Shemini Atzeret begins on Sunday evening, Oct. 23 and continues through Oct. 24.
Simchat Torah begins on Monday evening, Oct. 24 and concludes at sundown on Tuesday, Oct. 25
Sukkah Decorating Party
Help build and decorate the Temple Israel sukkah and enjoy a pizza lunch and craft activities for the kids. RSVP requested, 248-661-5750.
Temple Israel, 5725 Walnut Lake Rd, West Bloomfield
Sunday, Oct. 16, 10 a.m. – Noon
Sukkot in Gan Eden
Help build and decorate a sukkah in Eden Gardens with the Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue, plant garlic bulbs to be harvested next season, and enjoy a kosher BBQ.
Eden Gardens, 12155 Glenfield, Detroit
Sunday, Oct. 16, Noon – 6 p.m.
Sukkot Youth Activities
A Sukkot experience for children ages 3 – 12.
Congregation Shaarey Zedek, 27375 Bell Road, Southfield
Monday, Oct. 17, 10:45 – 11:30 a.m.
PJ’s & Stories in the Sukkah
Join Rabbi Aaron Bergman in the sukkah for a story, holiday-friendly craft, and a snack. Come in PJ’s!
Adat Shalom Synagogue, 29901 Middlebelt Road, Farmington Hills
Monday, Oct. 17, 10 a.m.
Sukkot Fun
Sukkot games, music, stories, and more.
Congregation Shaarey Zedek, 27375 Bell Road, Southfield
Tuesday, Oct. 18, 10 a.m. – Noon
Sukkot Celebration
A bring-your-own picnic dinner, crafts, and singing, followed by a Sukkot holiday service.
Congregation Shir Tikvah 3900 Northfield Parkway, Troy
Friday, Oct. 21, Dinner & Activities @ 5:45 p.m., Service @ 7:15 p.m.
Tot Shabbat in the D
Join Hazon Detroit and the Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue for a tot Shabbat in Rabbi Silverman’s sukkah with songs, food, and activities. For children ages 6 and under and their favorite grown-ups. RSVP requested.
4546 Avery St., Detroit
Saturday, Oct. 22, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Sukkah in the D Music Party
Book a babysitter and head on over to Chabad for DJ music, s’mores, a bouncy house (for grown-ups!), and drinks. Ages 21 and up, buy tickets here.
Chabad of Greater Downtown Detroit, 278 Mack Ave
Saturday, Oct. 22, 9 p.m.
Sukkah Tour
Families are invited to travel around town in a sukkah party bus to visit three different sukkahs, with different activities in each one.
Aish Detroit, 25725 Coolidge Hwy, Oak Park
Sunday, Oct. 23, 10 a.m. – Noon
Fall Family Fun on the Farm with PJ Library
Celebrate fall on the farm with other PJ Library families. Take a hay wagon ride, visit the animals in the barn, explore the corn mazes, and enjoy apple cider and donuts around the camp fire.
Bowers Farm, 1219 E. Square Lake Rd, Bloomfield Hills
Sunday, Oct. 23, 2 – 4 p.m.
Simchat Torah
A morning of celebration including crafts and a bagel breakfast, followed by musical and fun-filled services, concluding with a sweet treat. RSVP requested.
Temple Israel, 5725 Walnut Lake Rd, West Bloomfield
Sunday, Oct. 23, 10 a.m. – Noon
Simchatoberfest Service and Celebration
Joyful, musical services, food, and fun for all ages. RSVP requested.
Congregation Shaarey Zedek, 27375 Bell Road, Southfield
Monday, Oct. 24, 5:45 – 8:30 p.m.
Erev Simchat Torah Celebration
Festive Torah parade and Torah reading for all ages followed by treats and a raffle.
Adat Shalom Synagogue, 29901 Middlebelt Road, Farmington Hills
Monday, Oct. 24, 6:30 p.m.
Simchat Torah Celebration
Tot Simchat Torah program followed by a Torah parade, singing, dancing, and ice cream.
Congregation Beth Ahm, 5075 West Maple Road West Bloomfield
Monday, Oct. 24, 6:30 p.m.
Simchat Torah Fun
Games, stories, and music for children aged 3 – 7 years.
Congregation Shaarey Zedek, 27375 Bell Road, Southfield
Tuesday, Oct. 25, 10 a.m. – Noon
Simchat Torah Celebration
A fun and educational family-friendly service, all are welcome.
Congregation Shir Tikvah 3900 Northfield Parkway, Troy
Tuesday, Oct. 25, 6:30 p.m.
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