Bank Of England Erects First Sukkah For Jewish Employees
Graphic by Angelie Zaslavsky
(JTA) — The Bank of England erected a sukkah in London for its Jewish workers for the first time in its centuries-long history.
The sukkah, a ceremonial hut in which Jews consume their meals for one week each year on the holiday of Sukkot, was inaugurated this week, marking the first such installation in the bank’s 324 years of existence, The Jewish Chronicle reported Friday.
Members of the bank’s maintenance team helped its Jewish Network erect the tabernacle on a first-floor balcony, which was open to the sky, at its headquarters in Threadneedle Street.
On Wednesday, Jewish Network members welcomed colleagues to a lunchtime talk about the festival’s significance led by Miriam Lorie of the Jewish Leadership Council umbrella group of local Jewish organizations.
The bank was opened in 1694, 38 years after the resettlement of Jews in England.
Sukkot ends on Tuesday.
Alyssa Fisher is a news writer at the Forward. Email her at [email protected], or follow her on Twitter at @alyssalfisher
I’m personally matching all gifts to the Forward, up to $36,000. Can I match your gift now?
Hello, fellow Forward reader! I’m Joel Brown, a Forward reader and supporter for more than 15 years, and currently the chair of the board of directors.
I’m an avid Forward reader because it ticks so many of my essential boxes: excellent journalism, Jewish focus and diverse viewpoints. In today’s political climate, what I most appreciate is the Forward’s independence — made possible by the generosity of its membership.
The Forward is committed to bringing you unbiased, nuanced Jewish news. From my position as board chair, I see an exciting future as we expand our position as the definitive independent voice of contemporary American Judaism.
— Joel Brown, Forward board chair
Support our mission to tell the Jewish story fully and fairly.
