Samaritan Sukkah

On Monday I had the pleasure of guiding a family from Efrat on a tour of the Shomron. As part of the tour we visited the Samaritan Museum on Mt Gerizim. We heard a presentation from Yefet Cohen who is one of the Samaritan priests and brother of their High Priest. After the presentation he surprised us by inviting us to his ‘Sukkah’.

The Samaritans have a “Torah” which is very similar to the Jewish Torah but has several differences.  They build a type of Sukkah that incorporates all of the Arba minim of the lulav and esrog into the roof of the Sukkah. They also build this Sukkah inside their house! 

Of course such a Sukkah isn’t valid according to the Jewish Halacha. But it’s very beautiful. And it was a fascinating experience to see it and an honor to be invited!