Home Away From Home

As we celebrate Sukkot, a time of joy and hospitality deeply rooted in our tradition, we are excited to introduce a new initiative designed to bring the warmth of the holiday to college students who are away from home.
Sukkot is known as the festival of joy and hospitality. The Torah commands us to rejoice during this time, and Kabbalistic traditions envision the Sukkah as a gathering place where our ancestors come together. Hospitality, or Hachnasat Orchim, is a cherished value in Judaism, beginning with our forebears, Abraham and Sarah. In this spirit, we invite you to participate in our new “Home Away from Home” program.
Local families, many of whom have college students themselves, will open their homes to students who are spending Sukkot away from their own families. This initiative offers students a chance to enjoy a home-cooked meal and meaningful conversation in a family setting, fostering a sense of belonging and connection.
As the academic year begins and concerns about antisemitism on college campuses rise, this program aims to provide students with reassurance and a strong sense of community. We will pair two students with each participating family, allowing for flexible scheduling and the opportunity to become Sukkah guests, or Ushpizin, in a warm, welcoming environment.
We hope that this program will be the first of many opportunities to build connections between students and local families, supporting the JCC’s mission of creating enriching intergenerational experiences for our community.
We look forward to celebrating Sukkot together and making this holiday season special for all.

Sign up to attend or host a Sukkot Dinner

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to own a sukkah for this event? No, you can still host at your home.

I’m a college student, how do I get to my host family house from my college? Transportation will be provided.

What if I don’t know what to talk about at dinner? We will provide some conversation prompts and topics for discussion.

When should we plan our dinner? Please plan your meal around the time of Sukkot (10/16-10/27)