When Leeds University chaplaincy couple Rabbi Eli and Rivka Magzimof discovered that their home succah had been destroyed by fierce winds two days before the festival, they were naturally upset. 
But, in a leap of faith, the resourceful duo launched a social-media campaign to raise £1,250 to fund a replacement.

The money was pledged in less than 30 minutes and when the cash kept on coming in, they were able to afford an upgrade.

“Our students had helped us to build the first one on the Sunday night,” Rabbi Magzimof explained. “When we came to it on Monday morning it was in pieces. 

“The wind had blown the roof off and the metal poles holding it together had fallen apart. It was in ruins.” 

But the generosity of current and former Leeds students and members of the local community meant the rabbi was soon shopping for building supplies at his nearest B&Q.

“I felt like an architect. I explained to the staff in the shop what had happened and they were great, running round with me to get what I needed.

“Then, with the help of two students who didn’t have university that day, I got to build it.” He was touched that the Muslim deliveryman from B&Q offered to help with the construction.

“It really was amazing that everyone I told wanted to help. It did not matter what their faith was. We were still building up until an hour before Succot. But we did it and it was fantastic. We got a better succah than we had before.” 

As a result, the Magzimofs were able to entertain hundreds of students over the festival. 

“It has made me feel exactly how you are supposed to feel on Succot,” Rabbi Magzimof added. “You do your best but you have to trust in God to do the rest.”