“Mexukkah” featured an enormous food display. Photos by JHV: DANIEL BISSONNET
By DANIEL BISSONNET | For the JHV•
Thu, Oct 1, 2026
More than 250 congregants and their guests gathered in Beth Yeshurun’s sukkah for the third night of Sukkot, Sept. 27, to enjoy Mexukkah! – a Mexican-themed celebration in the sukkah.
Live mariachi music played continuously all evening, at times booming dance music with interludes of relaxing melodies.
Guests moved easily through two buffet lines of Mexican favorites, including fajitas, fruit and desserts.
Rabbis Brian Strauss and David Mendelson took turns describing the blessings and how to shake the lulav and etrog together in six directions.
“This gathering is always popular with Beth Yeshurun’s community members,” said Rabbi Strauss. “It is a chance to gather together outside and share our joy with each other as the sun sets. I am proud of the team that put this all together. The kitchen staff has done a terrific job, as well as the event planners and facilitators.”
As the meal concluded, a line for the piñata grew to several dozen excited children. This year, instead of a single large piñata, there were half a dozen smaller fruit-themed piñatas. The kids cooperated well taking turns, but of course, when the piñata spilled its sweets, there was a scramble to collect the candies.