A Sukkah of Peace, Built Together

A very windy day last week couldn’t stop PJA’s intrepid third graders and their teachers from building a sukkat shalom (a sukkah of peace) inspired by Eric Kimmel’s book The Mysterious Guests. Their creation became a shared space for creativity, connection, and joyful Sukkot celebrations.

The schach (roof material) came from PJA’s native garden, and kindergartners helped decorate with colorful paper chains. Fourth and fifth grade students joined the third graders to write about the ushpizin (special guests) they would like to invite into the sukkah. From sports heroes and grandparents to animals needing extra love and attention, their choices reflected curiosity and compassion. These touching pieces now line the sukkah’s walls.

Throughout the holiday week, students waved the lulav and etrog, read stories, and enjoyed the sukkah during recess. Built and shared across grades, our sukkat shalom brought PJA’s value of kehillah (community) to life.