The 9 Craziest Sukkahs in the World

On the holiday of Sukkos, Jews around the world can be found sitting in Sukkahs – outdoor huts with roofs of branches or reeds. While the basic blueprint is the same, different locations lend to some pretty crazy iterations.

1. The Boat-Sukkah in Venice, Italy

In Venice there’s the sukkah boat. The water may not always smell great, but at least guests can enjoy the canals under a canopy of branches.

2. The Gutsiest Sukkah In The World

The smallest a sukkah can be is about 22 inches square and 32 inches high, just large enough for a person to sit in. This may not be the smallest sukkah in the world, but it’s certainly one of the most daring.

3. The Portlandian Sukkah Bike

Portland is known for its majestic surroundings, bearded residents drinking micro-brews … and bicycles. The PediSukkah was born in Brooklyn, but perhaps its soul is in Portland.

Dwelling in the sukkah reminds us how transient life is. Our homes and material possessions are only temporary, but the good deeds we do will last forever.

4. The Highest Sukkah In The World

At half the height of Everest, the sukkah that pops up every year on Pikes Peak in Colorado Springs may very well be the highest sukkah in the world.

5. The Flatbed Truck Sukkah in Times Square

Sukkot is the grand victory celebration of a bright and beautiful new year. What better way to celebrate in style than with a massive big-rig sukkah in Times Square?

6. The Traditional Sukkah City

Some neighborhoods in Jerusalem become virtual cities of sukkahs – all jammed into small courtyards.

7. The Not So Traditional Sukkah City

While not kosher for use, the 2010 Sukkah City project in New York’s Union Square had all kinds of interesting designs and a powerful social message.

8. The Sukkah in Saddam Hussein’s Palace

… and this one just like it, erected at Tallil Air Base in 2003. Both were put up by Rabbi Jacob Goldstein, Chief of Chaplains for the New York State Army National Guard, on behalf of the Aleph Institute, so that Jewish soldiers could observe the holiday.

9. The World Peace Sukkah

Unity is one of Sukkot’s main themes. The Jewish Monkland Centre in Montreal created this “World of Peace” sukkah out of recycled cardboard. Community members shared their visions of peace for all to see.