Three pop-up succahs greeted passengers at Heathrow Airport this week.
Two of the festival booths have been erected at Terminals 4 and 5, with one to share between Terminals 1 and 3.
For many years observant Jews using the airport during the festival who wished to eat in a succah had to travel seven miles to Ealing United Synagogue.
Now, thanks to the synagogue’s rabbi Hershi Vogel, who is the Jewish Chaplain at the airport, there are more Heathrow tabernacles than you can shake a lulav at. Rabbi Vogel explained: “These succahs are small, light and easily transportable. People can take one outside to a location they are comfortable with on the landside of the airport.”
He added: “For years we have been hosting five to 15 people in our succah in Ealing. While the numbers are not that large, if having succahs at Heathrow makes a difference to even one person, it is worthwhile.”
On Succot, eating must be done in a succah. While some people also sleep in their succah, Rabbi Vogel confirmed: “These are for people to take a bite in, nothing more.”
