Building a Sukkah: A Personal Journey and Practical Guide

Originally published in 2025, we're excited to bring back these sukkah-building insights for 2026. Whether you’re a seasoned builder or a novice, it’s time to create your own festive space.

It all started when my son, then just two years old, donned a hard hat and tool belt, inspired by his favorite shows and toys. Although I had only dabbled in assembling IKEA furniture, his creativity and passion for building quickly became evident. From crafting foam obstacle courses to constructing (overly ambitious) treehouses, his imaginative play set the stage for our journey into a beloved Jewish custom: building a sukkah for Sukkot.

As Sukkot approached one year, I found myself captivated by the charm of a friend's sukkah, illuminated by twinkling lights and filled with warmth. This experience stirred a realization within me; while my husband and I upheld our childhood holiday traditions, we’d missed an engaging and hands-on opportunity to introduce our kids to something uniquely meaningful and relevant. Carving out time for new rituals was essential, particularly one that centers around gratitude and connection.

The concept behind Sukkot originates from biblical teachings, encouraging the dwelling in temporary huts as a remembrance of the Israelites' 40-year journey in the desert. This commandment offers kids a fun activity: building their very own outdoor fort, a playful endeavor that kids will typically embrace.

Just days before Sukkot began, I learned that constructing our own sukkah was still possible. A generous friend guided me through the aisles of Home Depot, and with a budget of around $200 for the essentials, we created our first structure. That first effort paved the way for five years of sukkah-building experiences that expanded in size and complexity once we moved for more space.

Now, we can erect the sukkah in about an hour, thanks to our organized system of labeled beams, reused brackets, and fabric walls. We've encountered our share of mistakes, like upside-down installations, but those lessons add character to our annual project. It’s a straightforward process now, and we even personalize our sukkah with kid-created artwork and decorative beads from past projects.

Throughout Sukkot, we hold onto the remnants of summer, indulging in outdoor meals and seasonal produce, creating a setting that invites family and friends. Despite my intentions to embrace the tradition of welcoming guests and strangers, our gatherings tend to be low-key, favoring take-out pizza and s’mores over elaborate meals. We also acquire an etrog and lulav, essential symbols of the holiday, allowing us to experience the tradition’s rituals firsthand—each shake and wave a moment captured in our family’s growing timeline.

While an earlier attempt to launch a sukkah-building business fell short, I’ve redirected my creative energies into writing. Having poured my experiences and enthusiasm into a children’s book about Sukkot, I’m eager to share this narrative with other families.

This year, as we say the Hebrew blessing “Shehecheyanu” to honor our sacred moments, I’ll reflect on my new book, released through Lovevery. Titled “A Sukkah for Bella,” it captures the essence of the holiday through a relatable story and rich photographs that help young readers connect with the world around them. A production team even joined us to document my niece Bella’s attempts to build her own sukkah, bringing a personal touch to the published work. Within this project, I’m thrilled to introduce Jewish heritage alongside Lovevery’s collection of holiday-themed stories.

Ultimately, my enthusiasm revolves around encouraging more families to embark on their own sukkah-building journeys—whether they have budding builders at home or just a willingness to create something meaningful together.

Interested in building your own sukkah this year? Absolutely, you can!

If you're inspired to create a sukkah, check out Jodie’s handy set of guidelines for construction, paired with a ready-made shopping list from Home Depot shopping cart with everything you'll need.

Don’t miss out on “A Sukkah for Bella,” which you can find on Amazon or at Lovevery’s online shop.

The post The Story of Our Sukkah — And How You Can Build One, Too appeared first on Kveller.