(TIMES OF ISRAEL) -- HENDRIK-IDO-AMBACHT, Netherlands — From its exterior, the massive building known as The Ark in this Dutch town looks like a typical Reform synagogue.
During the Hebrew month of Tishrei, the ancient olive tree that dominates the yard of this large worship space is dwarfed by a reed sukkah, a ceremonial hut in which Jews consume their meals for one week each year on the holiday of Sukkot, in commemoration of the Israelites’ state of homelessness after they were freed from slavery in Egypt.
An attraction for The Ark’s young congregants, the sukkah stands opposite the spacious and modern-looking building servicing their community of relatively progressive worshipers.