On Tuesday, October 3, 3023, the vibrant community of Santa Monica gathered to partake in the much-anticipated Annual Community Sukkos Street Festival, proudly presented by Chabad in Simcha Monica. The festival, a highlight of the Sukkos holiday season, provided a day of joy, unity, and celebration for all attendees.

Held on 12th Street, between Broadway and Santa Monica Blvd, the entire stretch of road was transformed into a bustling hub of festivities for the occasion. To accommodate the festivities, the street was closed between Broadway and Santa Monica Blvd, allowing ample space for festival-goers to enjoy the diverse array of engaging activities and attractions that ensured a memorable experience for visitors of all ages.

Festival-goers were treated to an exciting lineup of entertainment, including pony rides, a bounce house, a delightful petting zoo, thrilling rides, carnival games, and, of course, an abundance of delicious kosher food options.

At the heart of this event was the tireless dedication of Rabbi Eli Levitansky, who proudly represented Chabad in Simcha Monica. His unwavering enthusiasm and commitment to the community were evident as he extended a warm invitation to the festival, highlighting the importance of unity and togetherness during this significant holiday.

Sukkos, a Jewish holiday steeped in deep historical and religious significance, commemorates the exodus of the Jewish people from Egypt and their subsequent forty-year journey through the wilderness. During this journey, they were protected by the divine presence, symbolized by the "clouds of glory." Central to the Sukkos celebration is the construction of the Sukka, a temporary hut where the community comes together to share meals and rejoice.

In addition to these meaningful traditions, participants engaged with the symbols of the Lubav and Etrog, representing the four distinct species associated with Sukkos. These elements, including three branches and a fruit, held unique significance and were blessed and shaken together to symbolize unity, reinforcing the central theme of Sukkos.

Sukkos, also known as the Festival of Booths, is a weeklong Jewish holiday that follows Yom Kippur. It serves as a time to celebrate the harvest and to commemorate the divine protection offered to the children of Israel during their journey from Egypt. Throughout Sukkos, participants dwell in a foliage-covered booth, known as a sukkah, and take part in rituals involving the "Four Kinds," four special species of vegetation.

The Sukkos Street Festival, a beloved tradition in the Santa Monica community, brought together families, friends, and neighbors to celebrate these timeless customs and create lasting memories. Participants enjoyed their meals in the sukkah, reinforcing the sense of community and unity that this holiday promotes.

The Annual Community Sukkos Street Festival, proudly presented by Chabad in Simcha Monica, was a resounding success, and attendees departed with hearts full of joy and a renewed appreciation for the traditions and unity that define the Sukkos holiday.