Join us during the Jewish fall harvest festival of Sukkot, when all are welcome to share in the abundance of the season.
Scheduled Activities
The Sukkah Project—Every year, the Skirball commissions an artist to create a community sukkah. This year's large-scale artwork—meticulously researched and uniquely conceived by multidisciplinary artist Jonathan York—is designed to activate the senses. (October 8–November 3)
Mini Sukkah City—In celebration of Sukkot, discover, play, and build community with a miniature table-top sukkah city in Noah’s Ark. (October 10–November 3)
Mini Sukkah Art Project—Celebrate the festival of Sukkot by designing, constructing, and decorating a miniature sukkah in the Family Art Studio. (October 10–November 3)
Zeidler's Lunch Specials—Enjoy harvest vegetable and sweet potato kreplach soup, stuffed poblano peppers, and a pear and honey cobbler at Zeidler's Café. (October 15–27)
Member Preview Day—A Members-only opportunity to view our new fall exhibitions and hear from curators and special guests. (October 16)
Sukkot—Commemorating both the historical journey of the Israelites through the desert after their exodus from Egypt and the bountiful fall harvest. (October 16–October 23)
Opening Celebration—Fall 2024—In the spirit of Sukkot, the Skirball opens its doors to you! Join us for new exhibitions, holiday treats, and a chance to share art, history, and tradition with friends and neighbors. (October 17)
Visions and Values Spotlight Tour—During the Opening Celebration, associate curator Alissa Schapiro showcases Sukkot-related items in Visions and Values (October 17).
Time with Trees: An Artists' Talk and Picnic—Join artists Tiffany Shlain and Ken Goldberg for a gallery walkthrough and conversation, followed by a picnic among Skirball’s pristine outdoors. (October 19)
Mindfulness in the Sukkah—Join us as we bring the healing practice of mindfulness meditation to the ancient Jewish festival of Sukkot. (October 20)
About Sukkot
Sukkot is a joyous Jewish holiday celebrated for seven (or eight) days in the fall, starting on the 15th of the Hebrew month of Tishrei. It commemorates both the historical journey of the Israelites through the desert after their exodus from Egypt, where they lived in temporary shelters called sukkot, and the bountiful fall harvest. Today, many families build and decorate their own sukkah, a charming temporary hut with a roof made of branches, where they share meals, stories, and even sleep under the stars, symbolizing the transient dwellings of their ancestors. A central theme of Sukkot is the welcoming of guests, or ushpizin, into the sukkah, reflecting a spirit of hospitality and community. The holiday is also marked by the waving of the lulav (palm frond) and etrog (citron) along with myrtle and willow branches, in a ritual that celebrates nature’s abundance and the interconnectedness of life. The festive atmosphere includes singing, dancing, and expressing gratitude for both historical and present-day blessings.
Celebrating Sukkot at Home?
Many Jewish people set up a sukkah and invite friends and family to celebrate the holiday in their own homes or synagogues during Sukkot, which takes place this year from October 16–October 23. For this reason, the Skirball's Sukkot activities, including an invitation to visit our community sukkah, will take place over an extended period—from October 8–November 3—so that all community members have an opportunity to eat, reflect, and enjoy the Skirball’s harvest celebration.