The ancient custom of building a temporary structure to commemorate the Israelites journey through the wilderness is among the most sensory-filled and artistic expressions in Jewish tradition.
On Sukkot, we grapple with contemporary paradigms of wandering, the impermanent nature of our world, and our responsibility to safeguard and celebrate the land we inhabit and the joy and nourishment it provides us.
Beginning this year, The Vilna is hosting a wide range of new and innovative programs to celebrate and experience this often overlooked holiday within Jewish tradition.
Come to the Sukkah
An exhibit honoring the 50th anniversary of New York City’s “Sukkah in the Sky"
In 1972, real estate developer and philanthropist Jack Weiler constructed a sukkah atop his newest skyscraper, the W.R. Grace Building in New York City, and gathered world leaders, business partners,
family, and friends to celebrate the weeklong harvest holiday of Sukkot. This innovative and ambitious tradition became one of the most inpsiring and joyous Jewish activities in NYC.
This exhibit was made possible by the archival collection at the American Jewish Historical Society.
How Art Connects Us to Place, Self and History
Boston's Museum Of Fine Arts Director Matthew Teitelbaum In Conversation With Visual Artist Caron Tabb.
In many ways, the sukkah is the greatest piece of public art in Jewish tradition. Learn more about this pivotal holiday in the Jewish calendar and the ways in which Jewish art has been a central text for identity formation and community building throughout Jewish history. This program will begin with a tour of our inaugural sukkah installation and festive spirits and harvest hors d'oeuvres in our sukkah.
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Jazz Night For Young Professionals
Come for a private tour and welcome reception in our special sukkah designed by artist Caron Tabb followed by live jazz performed by Berklee college of Music's Warren Pettey and his trio, The Connection. Festive foods and spirits will be plenty.
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Small Group Tours
Join us for a docent-led tour of our Come to the Sukkah public art exhibit and sukkah installation created by visual artist Caron Tabb. This tour will include many elements from our classic historic tours which are offered year-round.
Learn MoreThis program was made possible by the support of Frank and Barbara Litwin in honor of the 50th anniversary of Sukkah in the Sky, an ambitious and innovative venture to place a sukkah atop the 50th floor of a New York City skyscraper.