Sukkot 2026

Sukkot Under the Stars:

Gratitude & Memories

What an extraordinary weekend we shared dwelling together, singing under the sky, and celebrating Sukkot in the beauty of the woods. From soul-stirring services and stargazing, to campfire warmth and shared meals, our retreat was a true testament to the heart and spirit of P’nai Or.

A gathering like this does not happen by magic; it happens through the hands, hearts, and hard work of so many dedicated people.

A Special Tribute

Hazzan Baruch Morris

This entire retreat grew out of Baruch’s original vision and concept. Baruch poured countless hours into bringing Sukkot Under the Stars into reality, guiding the planning, working through endless details, and inspiring us to gather in the woods together. Baruch, thank you for your vision, devotion, and tireless leadership in making this dream come true!

Our Tiniest Volunteer Spotlight

Finn Yoshida (Age 3)

We love our tiny P’nai Or congregants with all of our hearts! Our Administrator, Brontë saw Finn's name in the list of volunteers, and shed joyous tears. His presence always fills our hearts with so much joy!

Special Mentions

While so many pitched in, a few key leaders worked behind the scenes to keep us moving, fed, and inspired:

Reb Zmira Lovejoy:

For leading us spiritually, bringing out the board games, and guiding our candle-making Havdalah.

Lynn Taylor:

Our original planner whose crucial support and guidance in the early stages set the whole retreat in motion.

Lois & Michael Eaton:

Michael designed, built, and struck the Sukkah, led our Saturday Aryeh sing-along, and schlepped equipment. Lois served on the planning committee, helped build and strike the Sukkah, and took care of more details than we can even count!

Andrew Black:

Coined by Hazzan Baruch "our resident Energizer bunny", he literally never stopped moving from setup to teardown.

Shimron Tubman:

For taking such beautifully thoughtful care of our food service, and being an all-around wonderful presence.

Joel Glick:

For coordinating sound equipment, schlepping, making music, and keeping planning on track.

Jeanne Kreeger:

For her work keeping everything moving smoothly—Jeanne’s Café was named in her honor!

Thank You to All Our Volunteer Teams!

It took a whole village to bring our retreat to life. We extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who contributed their time and talent:

The Sukkah Builders & Strikers: Andrea Higdon, Andrew Black, Babs Smith, Chaim Lev, Dan Broughton, Howard Lanoff, Joanie Levine, Lauren Yoshida, Les Milfred, Lois Eaton, Michael Eaton, Mindy Miller, Tova Woyciechowicz, Yehudah Winter, and many many more!

Service Leaders, Musicians & Spiritual Guides: Chaim Lev, Linda Zahavi, Joan Glebow, Joel Glick, Rob Vergun, and Reb Zmira Lovejoy.

Activities & Workshop Leaders: Cassandra Sagan (Art Workshop), Cassie Falling (ASL), Elaine Cohn (Yoga), Gila Ormiston (Nature Hike), Chaim Lev (Galaxy Stargazing Talk), Keith Kale & Les Milfred (Bike Ride), Michael Eaton (Sing-along), and Zmira Lovejoy (Havdalah & Games).

Hospitality, Welcome & Kitchen Crew: Annie Tubman, Emily Polanshek, Janet Grubel, Jessie Walder Biesanz, , Mindy Miller, Joanie Levine, Erez Tubman, and Zohar Tubman.

Outreach & Support: Les Milfred (Fundraising), Miko Vergun (Volunteer Sign-Ups), and Helen Tevlin (Decorations).

Planning: Miko Vergun, Marla Resnick, Lynn Taylor, Lois Eaton, Michael Eaton, Karen Maher, Joel Glick, and Andrew Black.