Neighborhood Interreligious Open House in the Sukkah

October 21, 2025

For the second consecutive year, JTS hosted an interreligious neighborhood gathering in our Sukkah, welcoming staff, faculty, and administrators from local institutions to share food, learn, and connect. Participants joined from Manhattan School of Music, Barnard College, Interfaith Center of New York (ICNY), The Riverside Church, Union Theological Seminary, International House, St. John the Divine, Columbia University Office of Religious Life, and Teachers College.

Chancellor Schwartz opened the program by explaining the significance of a sukkah and its reminder of life’s fragility. She reflected on the concern and vulnerability felt by so many this past year as a result of the assault on the values of higher education, corruption of religious values, and for Jews in particular, the agony of the last two years following the October 7 massacre and the rise in antisemitism.

She spoke of the need to join together in community, emphasizing the power of connection and the importance of engaging one another with respect and generosity. By doing so, she noted, the “Morningside Heights community can be strengthened, as we work together to protect shared religious and educational values.”

Following Chancellor Schwartz’s remarks, several representatives of co-sponsoring institutions addressed the group. Some offered prayers, others shared personal reflections, and others sang. It was a joyful afternoon filled with people, spirit, and meaningful dialogue, offering a hopeful end to the Jewish holiday season.

Colleagues, friends, community, and camaraderie… all in the Sukkah!