Day 248

A future sukkah

September 3rd, 2012

By leaving the deceptive permanence of our homes, we let go of the first and most damaging illusion that blocks our inner eye from seeing God's presence. This is the illusion that material security protects our vulnerability. But nothing material is eternal; the feeling of security and stability that comes from possessions is transient. The only enduring possession that any of us have is our essence.
           — Rebbetzin Tziporah Heller, "The Sukkah Experience"

I was surprised to find this sukkah-like structure being erected by non-Hasidic laborers outside a Hasidic synagogue so far in advance of the High Holidays. One man I spoke with said it is going to house overflow seating for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, and then be fully sukkah-fied for Sukkot. I was not aware of this, but apparently it is not uncommon for people to build their sukkot (that's the plural of "sukkah") before Yom Kippur, saving only the s'chach to add afterward.

Synagogues often build (or have others build for them) large sukkot for their congregations (I wonder what the Garfield Temple will do this year), but many individual families will construct their own modest sukkah at home as well. Interestingly, you can often identify an apartment building constructed for observant Jews by the layout of its balconies, which, as we've seen, will be staggered to provide each family's sukkah a clear view of the sky.

Day 248

How did they know??

September 3rd, 2012


Day 248

Portal of the day

September 3rd, 2012


Day 248




Also: Waste Side Story!

Day 248

Kousa dogwood

September 3rd, 2012



Believe it or not, these little alien pods are apparently good for the eatin'. I didn't know this at the time, so I can't offer any personal opinions, although I don't think this batch was ripe yet, anyway.

Day 248

Connectionz #1

September 3rd, 2012


Day 248

You know and your dog

September 3rd, 2012


Day 248

PS 54, continued

September 3rd, 2012



The jellyfish'll getcha if the octopus don't first.

Day 248

I don’t need no sign

September 3rd, 2012



to tell me this garden was founded before March 26, 1997.

Day 248

St. John the Baptist

September 3rd, 2012



Despite all appearances, this massive boarded-up, razor-wired church still has a heartbeat: services take place in a ground-floor chapel, and there are several ministries and community service programs active at the parish. You can find a history of the structure, as well as photos of its interior, here.

Day 248

Nice range!

September 3rd, 2012


Day 248

Victory with Peace

September 3rd, 2012



This World War I memorial stands inside Bushwick's Freedom Triangle.