Notre Dame College Celebrates Jewish Harvest Festival

SOUTH EUCLID, Ohio—3 October 2006—Notre Dame College’s (NDC) Campus Ministry is doing something new this year. Plans are underway to celebrate Sukkot, the Jewish Harvest of Blessings on the campus Monday, October 9 through Friday, October 13.

Notre Dame College graduate student Ruth Fingerhut Tamkin is collaborating with the College to bring this festival to the small east side Catholic college this year. According to Brian Emerson, director of campus ministry, “the College is participating in the celebration to foster interfaith understanding among Notre Dame College students of all faiths. We hope all members of the college community will participate at some time during the week.”

The Sukkah commemorates the temporary shelters the ancient Israelites built during the 40 years they wandered through the desert after their Exodus from Egypt. A Sukkah, or booth, will be erected next to the College’s Peace Pole & Garden between the Administration Building and the Clara Fritzsche Library.

The events of the week begin Monday October 9, 11:45 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. at which time Ms. Tamkin will welcome the participants to the Sukkah and explain the meaning of the holy day. Refreshments, singing and folk dancing will help express the joy of the occasion.

Schedule of events:

Monday evening NDC faculty and students, guests from the Siegal College of Jewish Studies, and friends in the Jewish community will gather at the Sukkah to discuss the holiday themes and enjoy light dinner refreshments. The Notre Dame College vocal ensemble will perform folk songs.

Tuesday, October 10, 3:30 – 5:00 p.m. – a repeat of Monday’s introductory program for students who arrive later in the afternoon.

Friday, October 13, 5:00 p.m. informal dinner in the Sukkah, with refreshments for weekend college students.

The public is welcome to join in the celebration. Notre Dame College is located at 4545 College Road in South Euclid. For additional information call the Office of Campus Ministry, 216.373.5177.

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