Preparations began long before Sukkot in the WAE Center. The Judaic Gems and Makers Studio classes got together to work on two wall hangings for the Sukkah. Members were shown how to use disperse dyes to create images of vegetables and fruits of the harvest.
The dyes were used to make rubbings on paper using textured surfaces with the solid wax dye. The rubbings were then painted with various colors of liquid dyes over the entire sheet. After the pages dried, they were placed in a heat press which transferred the images onto the polyester fabric to create the wall hangings.
While the holiday began with a rainy start, residents of the JSDD homes all were excited to sit, eat and enjoy looking at the stars in the Sukkahs in their homes once the weather allowed.
Back at the WAE Center, members and residents helped to prepare a colorful fruit salad to enjoy together in the Sukkah while listening to Israeli music. Everyone was happy to be outside enjoying the beautiful weather and the delicious fruit.
Later in the week, WAE Center members were so happy to welcome Becca Wanatick, the Director of Disability Inclusion & Belonging for Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest. A few members recognized Becca from the recent Centennial Mission to Israel. Becca joined members in the Sukkah to talk about the wonderful trip and the holiday of Sukkot. The group learned that it is a mitzvah to eat and even sleep in the Sukkah. They also learned that Ushpizin are special guests that we are inviting to the Sukkah. WAE Center member and JSDD resident Jay shared that special guests often brighten the room.
It was a wonderful holiday full of time together and learning.
great pictures