Chol HaMoed is rapidly approaching and you’re wondering what you can do for a “Chol HaMoed trip”? But, then you think of all possible obstacles (aka “opportunities”) that will arise. How can you manage Sukkot on the go?
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you.
As anyone with kids will tell you, Chol HaMoed is the time for family trips. The kids are off school and there is time that is not actually yom tov. However, planning for Sukkot on the go can be much more complicated than they realize. Read on for some tips.
Sukkah
The main obstacle most people consider is an actual Sukkah. If you’re planning to eat (or for some people even sleep), this can be a big challenge for a Sukkot on the go. Fortunately, there are many solutions to this one.
Solution #1
Eat at home. This may sound like it defeats the purpose of a Chol HaMoed trip, but hear me out. Davening on Chol HaMoed is probably as long as a regular Shabbos, so by the time the men come home (and the teenage girls wake-up), it’s practically lunch time anyway. So have a big filling lunch and then head out. Then just be back in time for dinner. If you eat shehakol snacks out of the Sukkah, then really this maybe the perfect solution for you.
Solution #2
Go places that have a Sukkah. In certain areas with larger Jewish populations, this is relatively easy. Not only will you find Sukkahs at restaurants, but many locations that host “Chol Hamoed Events” or anticipate a large Jewish turnout, will put up a Sukkah (or several) for anybody to use.
For example, there’s a pizza shop about forty-five minutes from where we live that my kids like, but they don’t put up a sukkah. However, there’s a shul next door. So we can order the pizza and catch mincha while we wait and then eat in the shul sukkah.
Another option here is to be in touch with a shul near where you are going to be and see if they have a Sukkah that you would be able to use. We called a local Chabad once with this question and found out that they would be hosting a Simchas Bais HaShoeva the night we were asking about–so there were minyanim and we didn’t even have to bring our own food! (This has actually happened to us several times.)
Solution #3
Bring your own. Here you have two options. The first is if you are only going to need the sukkah to eat in. Then all you need is a Travel Sukkah that pops-up quickly (just be sure it is sturdy enough: check with your local Halachic authority). These type of sukkahs generally only accommodate 1-2 people at a time and don’t even have space for a table.
However, if you are looking for something to use for a couple of days or to sleep in, then you need something larger and more substantial. A few years ago, we purchased a Sukkot Hadar. It’s easy to assemble, packs up into it’s own carrying case, and uses telescoping poles to adjust to your desired size. It even came with decorations!
Whichever option you choose, be sure you have the right schach, as it is not always included.
Solution #4
Speak to your Rav. This one isn’t much of a solution. But, there are some rabbanim that hold that there are circumstances under which you don’t need a Sukkah or there are ways you can make one with your car. I am not endorsing either of these options, just providing information.
Daled Minim
If you are going away overnight, you will need to bring your Daled Minim with you. And you’ll want to keep them fresh.
First, in order to protect the set, you’ll need a carrying case. You probably already have one, but in case you don’t, there are a couple options. There’s the soft vinyl version with a pocket for the esrog as well. Or the hard plastic kind. Generally, the vinyl is protective enough even on an airplane.
To keep them fresh, you can wrap your haddassim and aravos in aluminum foil–but leave them in the lulav holder (taking them in and out will cause the leaves to fall off). If you’re going somewhere with a fridge, then refrigerate upon arrival. The lulav itself can just stay in the carrying case and the esrog can be treated as you would a lemon.
Minyanim
If you are planning to be away overnight, or long enough that you’ll miss mincha in your local shul, then finding a minyan may be a concern for you.
Again, if you are traveling to a popular Chol HaMoed destination or are in a large metropolitan Jewish area, then there will probably be a pop-up minyan or two. However, if you aren’t then, you can either check the apps that exist like GoDaven. See if there are any local shuls; Chabad is also a great resource because even if they don’t regularly have a minyan, if you call they may know that enough other people called that day to make a minyan.
Or, you can always arrange your own minyan. See 5 Tips to Ensure a Minyan on Vacation for tips on doing so.
Food
This is always the number one concern when going anywhere. In this case, since you’re leaving from home, probably returning home the same day, and not going far enough that you aren’t familiar with the local offerings, it’s really not such a big deal. Otherwise, treat it like any other family outing–unless you are going to follow the shehakol ruling. 😜
For more tips on ensuring Kosher Food and Minyanim see Layover Tips for Jewish Travelers. I know that your Chol HaMoed trip is not a layover, but these specific tips can apply to any trip.
Remember: Chol HaMoed is a great time to make family memories. Take advantage and don’t stress too much over the details. Sukkot on the Go will be memorable because of the quality time together.
Check out this Amazing Lasting Family Memories Game and see what you can come up with.
Products Recommended in this post:
Check out these great offers for all your travels:
Book activities and sightseeing excursions with Viator and Get Your Guide
Use promo code BTR5QTP to get $5 off when you join Roadtrippers Plus to find off the beaten path destinations
Want to ship your luggage? Get a 5% discount when booking with Luggage Forward
Save up to 25% on your 2022 travel costs by booking an RV through RVshare
Save 15% when you join Harvest Hosts to find great experiences and places to stay