‘There’s nothing greater than joy’ — West Ridge synagogue celebrates Jewish holiday Sukkot
Lively Hebrew music pulsed through the streets of West Ridge Monday night, announcing the celebration of the Jewish holiday Sukkot.
“It’s the holiday of unity and joy,” said Rabbi Baruch Hertz of Congregation Bnei Ruven, which held the event. “This idea of dancing in the street, bringing the joy not only to synagogue, not only to your family but actually to the street to bring the community together.”
During the event, about a block of Whipple Street near Devon Avenue, outside Bnei Ruven, was closed to traffic for the night as dancers took over the road. Men in Orthodox dress and beards joined hands and danced in a circle as a live band played and children joined in dancing or played nearby.
Sukkot — also spelled Sukkos in some Orthodox communities — began thousands of years ago as a celebration of the harvest. It lasts seven days, beginning five days after Yom Kippur, the Jewish holiday of atonement and forgiveness. Traditionally, Jewish families build a temporary hut as part of the Sukkot celebration, Hertz said.
“There’s nothing greater than joy,” Hertz said. “People dance together, and many don’t know each other, but they come for one purpose of connecting and celebrating. That brings a strong message of light and goodness to the world.”
Singer Uzi Bodner performs on stage during Congregation Bnei Ruven’s 32nd annual “Dancing in the Streets” on Monday.
Victor Hilitski/For the Sun-Times
Rabbi Baruch Hertz (center) hold hands and dances in a circle Monday during Congregation Bnei Ruven’s annual Sukkos celebration in West Ridge.
Victor Hilitski/For the Sun-Times
People watch the 32nd annual “Dancing in the Streets” Sukkos celebration in West Ridge on Monday.
Victor Hilitski/For the Sun-Times
Families and community members take part in traditional dancing in the street during Congregation Bnei Ruven’s annual Sukkos celebration on Monday
Victor Hilitski/For the Sun-Times
Spectators watch the festivities unfold Monday during Congregation Bnei Ruven’s 32nd annual “Dancing in the Streets” Sukkos celebration in West Ridge.
Victor Hilitski/For the Sun-Times
A young boy leans against a scooter Monday while watching the 32nd annual “Dancing in the Streets” Simchas Beis Hashoeva celebration.
Victor Hilitski/For the Sun-Times
Community members join hands to dance Monday during the 32nd annual “Dancing in the Streets” Simchas Beis Hashoeva outdoor Sukkos event.
Victor Hilitski/For the Sun-Times
A boy plays with a diabolo juggling toy in the street during the 32nd annual “Dancing in the Streets” Simchas Beis Hashoeva celebration on Monday
Victor Hilitski/For the Sun-Times
Related Posts:
Racehorse owner insists ‘Austrian Painter’ name had nothing to do with Hitler News Austrian Painter won his debut race this weekend (Picture: Getty) A racing horse is in the midst of an online firestorm after concerns over its ‘Hitler-linked name’ were raised. Owner and breeder Scott Herbertson entered ‘Austrian Painter’ in his first debut race this week in Indianapolis. But the Jockey Club…
Vacheron Constantin Celebrates Three Decades Of Overseas Sport Watches With New ‘Ultra-Thin Perpetual’ Release News Striking the ideal balance between sporty and refined is often the pursuit of the finest watchmakers, a passion stretching across three decades and fittingly celebrated by the new Vacheron Constantin Overseas debut. (Vacheron Constantin) A multitude of prominent sport watches have decades of heritage to their name, like the Omega…
New crosswalk beacon, other signal upgrades intended to make Ridge Avenue intersection safer News A dangerous Edgewater intersection may be made safer soon, as officials broke ground Monday on a new crosswalk beacon — the first of its kind being installed in the city. Located where Ridge, Wayne and Hollywood avenues intersect in Edgewater, the signal is called a hybrid beacon; it acts as…
British man, 58, found dead near holiday resort in Portugal News A British man was pulled unconscious from the sea in Praia do Pintadinho on the Portuguese Algarve The body of a British man has been pulled from the water near a holiday resort in southern Portugal. The man, who has not been publicly named, was found unconscious in the water…
Burnham starts Labour conference as top dog – but there’s still plenty to prove News Andy Burnham has the prime seat on stage for Labour’s conference this year (Picture: Peter Byrne/PA Wire) This time last year, it looked like he’d blown it. After launching a broadside against Sir Keir Starmer’s government, Andy Burnham spent the 2025 Labour conference gradually retreating in the face of criticism…
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.
