A sukkah is a temporary prayer shelter for the Jewish holiday of Sukkot.
Several sukkah design judges — including me — who met at Battle Hall in the University of Texas School of Architecture several weeks ago did not know that in advance.
Hours later, we could cite each of the traditional rules and regulations about these symbolic huts that are constructed especially for the pilgrimage feast day.
Designers from Texas and Israel proposed creative structures that were open on at least one side and on a portion of the top. The judges disqualified some for because they appeared unsustainable, others because they didn’t fit the religious qualifications.
The best of the designs were constructed for SukkahCity Austin. Sets of sukkahs remain on display at two locations — Dell Jewish Community Campus and Whole Food Market downtown upper terrace — through Tuesday.
Kids love ‘em, since they resemble play houses scaled to their sizes.
On a rainy Sunday afternoon, for instance, Rachel and Levi Hurt tooled in and around the ones on the JCC grounds while their father, Bazaarvoice chief Brett Hurt looked on. His wife, Debra Hurt, served on the SukkahCity Austin committee, which modeled the event after a similar New York design competition.
Some of the sukkahs look like high modern sculpture. Others like organic forms that include plant life in the walls. Still others are simple, elegant boxes with seats.
The judge’s favorite, however, came from Israel: A framed cube. Guests are invited to wrap it in colorful yarns, making a delightful inside-outside experience for everyone. The judges liked it so much, they asked that it be constructed at both locations.
For more information on these free exhibits, go to shalomaustin.org.