In a heartwarming display of community and cultural appreciation, middle and upper school students and faculty advisors gathered for a pizza lunch on Wednesday, October 16, at the Head of School’s Sukkah to celebrate the Jewish holiday of Sukkot. 

Head of School Carol Maoz welcomed the students with open arms. “Sukkot is a time for reflection and togetherness,” she stated. “It reminds us of our history and the importance of welcoming others into our lives.”

“Visiting and spending time in Ms. Maoz' sukkah is always special, but after a hard year, it was even more impactful to celebrate with both middle schoolers and upper schoolers and reflect on the harvest and strength that continues to uplift the Jewish community through difficult times,” said Sienna Barlow ’26. 

“I loved it! It felt very inviting, and the community felt very warm!” said Eliza Cooper ’31. 

Some of the students who visited the sukkah are members of the Jewish student affinity groups in both divisions; others were there to support their peers and learn about the holiday. The students engaged in conversations about the meaning of the holiday and Jewish joy at a time of increasing global antisemitism.

“It was amazing to see so many Jewish students gather for such a happy occasion. King has done an incredible job allowing kids to feel comfortable with expressing their Jewish identities, and it makes me very proud to be a student here,” said Alexander Zaken ’25. 

“It was amazing to come together with the middle school JSU! It is so important to come together during the holidays, especially in this past year for the Jewish community,” said Abigail Block ’25.

Sukkot, also known as the Feast of Tabernacles, is a week-long Jewish festival that commemorates the 40-year journey of the Israelites through the desert after their liberation from slavery in Egypt. The sukkahs represent the temporary dwellings that provided shelter during the exodus.

To mark the occasion, families build temporary structures or sukkahs where they gather to share meals and invite guests, symbolizing the importance of community, hospitality, and gratitude. This year, the Sukkot began at sunset on October 16 and will end at nightfall on October 23.

“As a Jewish educator and parent in our community, I am so grateful for the opportunity to celebrate Jewish joy with students and faculty at a time when anti-semitism in the world feels so palpable. Mrs. Maoz opening her sukkah to us reminds us to be proud of who we are and celebrate our diversity together,” said faculty advisor and History teacher Lindsey Rossler.

“It was great to have the support of the whole school to celebrate the Jewish culture. And it was a great opportunity to teach some of our non-Jewish students about the holiday as well,” said Jordan Rochelson, Middle School English teacher and advisor for the Middle School Jewish affinity group. 

The kindergarten class also marked the occasion with a visit the next day, on Thursday, October 17. The younger students participated in various activities that enriched their understanding of the holiday's traditions. 

“The students were excited to see that the Sukkah was filled with colorful decorations that they had created in art class!” highlighted Kindergarten teacher Molly Eagleton. “As we were walking back to the Lower School, one of my students excitedly shared that this was ‘the best day ever’!” she added.

Wednesday afternoon, Maoz also hosted faculty and staff at the sukkah. They enjoyed treats, drinks, and one another’s company.

This event exemplified the school’s mission to embrace the diverse backgrounds of its community members, encouraging all to celebrate their identities while learning about others.