SUKKOT
SEPTEMBER 29–October 6, 2023

SIMCHAT TORAH 
OCTOBER 7–8, 2023

SUKKOT

September 29–October 6, 2023

Sukkot is the last of the three pilgrimage festivals. Like Passover, and Shavuot, Sukkot has a dual significance: historical and agricultural. Historically, Sukkot commemorates the forty-year period during which the children of Israel were wandering in the desert, living in temporary shelters.

Sukkot lasts for seven days. The two days following the festival, Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah, are separate holidays but are related to Sukkot and are commonly thought of as part of Sukkot. On Shemini Atzeret we begin to pray for rain and also commemorate those who have died in the past year with Yizkor services. Simchat Torah is the holiday where we begin reading the Torah anew.

SUKKOT SCHEDULE 2023 / 5784

Our 8th Avenue Sukkah is located outside the CBE Sanctuary, and our CBE Sukkah is nestled beneath the trees in Prospect Park. To find the CBE Sukkah, use the Garfield Place entrance and turn left at the first stone path before you get to West Drive. Go past the first arch on your right (Meadowport Arch) and continue on the path. At the top of the hill, make a right at the fork, and you will see the CBE Sukkah on your right.

If you are coming from Grand Army Plaza, with your back to the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ monument, use the entrance to the right of the main drive. Follow the stone path and the CBE Sukkah will be on your left just before you get to Meadowport Arch.

Click here for a pin drop of the location.

Erev Sukkot Service and Kiddush
Friday, September 29 at 6:30 PM — CBE Sukkah in Prospect Park
Join us at 6:00 PM for Jewish Happy Hour.
In the case of inclement weather, we will meet in the CBE Chapel.

Sukkot Block Party
Saturday, September 30 at 12:00–2:00 PM — Garfield Place between 8th Avenue and Prospect Park West
After our 9:30 AM Shabbat morning service, come have fun outdoors with your CBE community. Food! Music! Games for kids! And a chance to learn about all of the amazing things happening at CBE and how you can connect with others and get involved.

URJ Summer Camp Night
Saturday, September 30 at 6:30 PM — 8th Avenue Sukkah
Do you want to learn more about URJ Summer Camps? Do you go to URJ Summer Camps? Join us in the Sukkah for Havdalah and to hear from URJ Northeast and specialty camp representatives, Paul Isserles and Eden Anolick about all that camp has to offer! RSVP here. Any questions, please reach out to Teen and Music Engagement Director, Rose Snitz at

Neurodiverse Families Sukkot Celebration*
Sunday, October 1 at 10:00 AM–12:00 PM — CBE Sukkah in Prospect Park
Come visit the CBE sukkah and connect with other neurodiverse families for a quieter inclusive time. Have a snack and shake a lulav! RSVP here. 

Sukkot FamJam Kumsitz*
Sunday, October 1 at 3:00–5:00 PM — CBE Sukkah in Prospect Park
Sing and play along with the CBE Music Team! Bring your instruments, voices, and favorite songs. All ages welcome; no musical training required.
RSVP to Rose Snitz at rsnitz@cbebk.org if you plan on coming, and feel free to reach out with any questions.

Sephardi and Mizrachi Jews Sukkot Celebration*
Sunday, October 1 at 6:00–7:30 PM — CBE Sukkah in Prospect Park
Join this festive Sukkot gathering of the Mizrachi and Sephardi Jews of CBE. RSVP here. 

Jews of Color and Multiracial Families Sukkot Celebration*
Monday, October 2 at 6:30–8:00 PM — CBE Sukkah in Prospect Park
Connect with other Jews of Color, People of Color, and Multiracial Families who are all part of our beautifully diverse CBE community. RSVP here.

LGBTQ Families Sukkot Celebration*
Tuesday, October 3 at 6:00–7:30 PM — CBE Sukkah in Prospect Park
Come help Queer the Sukkah and expand your circle of LGBTQ+ CBE friends. RSVP here. 

Interfaith Families Sukkot Celebration*
Wednesday, October 4 at 6:30–8:00 PM — CBE Sukkah in Prospect Park
Connect with the many intermarried families who help to make us a diverse, welcoming, and inclusive community. RSVP here. 

Kabbalat Shabbat with Sukkot Yizkor Service
Friday, October 6 at 6:30 PM — CBE Chapel
Join at 6:00 PM for Jewish Happy Hour.

* In the case of inclement weather, we will meet in the CBE Boardroom. 

SIMCHAT TORAH

October 7–October 8, 2023

Simchat Torah, שִׂמְחַת תּוֹרָה, “Rejoicing of Torah” is a Jewish holiday that celebrates and marks the conclusion of the annual cycle of public Torah readings, and the beginning of a new cycle. Simchat Torah is a component of the Biblical Jewish holiday of Shemini Atzeret (“Eighth Day of Assembly”), which follows immediately after the festival of Sukkot in the month of Tishrei.

The Simchat Torah festivities begin with the evening service. The synagogue’s Torah scrolls are removed from the ark and carried in a series of seven hakafot (circuits). Although each hakafa need only encompass one circuit, the dancing and singing with the Torah often continues much longer, and often overflows from the synagogues onto the streets.

SIMCHAT TORAH SCHEDULE 2023 / 5784

Youth and Family Simchat Torah
Friday, October 6 at 5:30 PM — CBE Sanctuary
Celebrate Simchat Torah with prayer, singing, dancing, torah chanting, and feasting! During our celebration we will consecrate and bless all our new Yachad learners. At 6:15 PM, we will enjoy dinner and cake in the CBE Rotunda. 

Simchat Torah Across Brooklyn
Saturday, October 7 at 8:00 PM — Grand Army Plaza. In case of inclement weather, we will meet in the CBE Ballroom.
Our borough’s annual opportunity to rejoice, sing, and dance with sacred scrolls. Join CBE and minyans across Brooklyn as we celebrate into the night. Click here for more information.