The Hillel Sukkah is up outside of Roy O. West in the Academic Quad. ALISON BAKER / THE DEPAUW
As DePauw University settles into fall, Jewish students, faculty and staff on campus are in the midst of their holiest time of the year.
This past week was the week of Sukkot, the day harvest festival. Jewish families and organizations build small booths where they eat all their meals and sleep at night during the seven-day holiday.
“It commemorates the booths that our ancestors lived in the wilderness when they wandered for 40 years, as well as the ones they build in the fields during harvest season,” said Rabbi Mark Covitz. Covitz represents DePauw Hillel, a Jewish student group with 30 members.
To celebrate Sukkot, Hillel built a small shelter in DePauw’s academic quad and invited anyone who was interested to eat, and even sleep in the shelter.
“One of the principles of it is hospitality,” said Covitz, “When you have one at your home you’re supposed to welcome people in for meals.”
On Wednesday, Hillel provided snacks and company all day to help those who wished to get away from the protests that were taking place elsewhere on campus. “Everyone is welcome,” Covitz said.
“It's just a possible escape for anyone who might need it and a calm space to relax,” said Hillel member, sophomore, Sarah Cooper.
Even students on campus that are not members of Hillel can enjoy the refuge.
“I think its fantastic that every year we have the opportunity to learn about another religion,” said sophomore Laurel Tilton, “It’s just a great learning opportunity.”