Photo Credit: Gruber Photographers
Through an unprecedented collaboration, Chabad Young Professionals Upper East Side, Upper West Side, and Chelsea, and the Soloviev Foundation will be joined by more than 3,000 guests to celebrate Sukkot on Monday, October 21, from 7:30-11pm ET under Manhattan’s largest Sukkah. Hosted at Field of Light at Freedom Plaza, New York City’s popular large-scale immersive free public art installation, the Sukkah will span 5,000 square feet against the backdrop of 18,750 dazzling lights.
One of the three major festivals in Judaism, Sukkot celebrates the gathering of the annual harvest. A sukkah, or temporary dwelling, is constructed for the week-long celebration, and represents the huts in which the Israelites resided in after escaping from slavery in Egypt.
“Sukkot is a traditional time for unity and inclusion, which is particularly meaningful in challenging and difficult times,” said Rabbi Yosef Wilhelm, Co-Director of Chabad Young Professionals Upper East Side. “We look forward to celebrating this joyous festival under the Sukkah at Field of Light with young Jewish professionals from across New York City. Our individuality shines brighter when we are together.”
“Field of Light signifies the power of hope and community,” said Michael Hershman, CEO of Soloviev Group. “This captivating installation was the Soloviev Foundation’s gift to New York City, and it is a pleasure to host wonderful cultural organizations like the Chabad Young Professionals as they mark this festival of joy.”
Rabbi Yosef and Devora Wilhelm of Chabad Young Professionals Upper East Side, Rabbi Yisrael and Chanchy Kugel of Chabad Young Professionals Upper West Side, and Rabbi Levy and Perel Kugel of Chabad Young Professionals Chelsea will serve as the evening’s hosts, alongside local elected officials and Jewish influencers. The evening will feature food and drink, cocktail music, and speeches throughout the night.
Sponsored in full by the Soloviev Foundation, Field of Light at Freedom Plaza welcomes guests free of charge on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings from 8pm to 11pm, and has been visited by over 60,000 guests and neighbors since opening in December. Reservations are now open through the end of 2024, with walk-ups always welcomed. Additionally, the installation is lit Sunday through Wednesday evenings and visible from the site’s perimeter. Visitors are encouraged to visit fieldoflightnyc.com to schedule their complimentary time and explore opportunities for nonprofit events and engagements.