For the upcoming Feast of Tabernacles, Jerusalem Mayor Uri Lupolianki welcomed children of all ages to a Candy Sukkah (tent) set up in Safra Square, downtown Jerusalem, last evening.

Candy Sukkah	Safra Square Downtown Jerusalem

Mayor Lupolianski	Mayor Lupolianski at opening ceremony

In a ceremony to open Jerusalem's central Sukkah, the Mayor released candy marshmallows onto the heads of dozens of children as they stood around waiting to flood the tent that was filled with candy. The event was festive sporting unlimited free candy to children of any age and live music from an excellent three man band.

Kids preparing for opening ceremony	Mayor enjoying chocolate covered marshmallow

Sukkah (tent) filled with candy	Live music for the festivities

Each year at the Biblical Feast of Tabernacles the city of Jerusalem erects a large tent in the city square. The annual theme this year was a "Sweet Holiday" with a large candy tent cosponsored by the city of Ariel, Israel. In Israel the holiday is referred to as "Succot" or "booths" and celebrates the exodus out of Egypt by the Jewish people some 3,500 years ago. The holiday is usually celebrated for a week and many Israelis build a tent in their yard or on their balcony. Most people will eat in their "Sukkahs" and some will even spend the night in their makeshift homes.

Cotton Candy	Mitchell enjoying free Cotton Candy

Gumball machines	Gumball dispenser

According to Rabbinical teaching the Sukkah is to have a clear view of the night sky. New apartment buildings erected in Jerusalem will alternate their balconies on every other floor of the building in order to abide by these regulations.

An annual Succot parade will take place on Tuesday, October 2, and is expected to pass through the candy Sukkah in the city square. Thousands of spectators and parade participants will be able to eat free candy and enjoy the festivities surrounding the Feast of Tabernacles.