This Sukkos, Rabbi Meir Chai and Mrs. Rivka Benhiyoun, longtime shluchim of the Rebbe to downtown Chicago, brought a new dimension to the city’s iconic public sukkah in Daley Plaza.

“Since October 7 was the first day of Sukkos”, Rabbi Benhiyoun told Anash.org, “we felt a deep need to do something different and to offer the Jewish response for October 7.”

For decades, Lubavitch Chabad of the Loop, Gold Coast, and Lincoln Park, better known as the Center for Jewish Life, has built a large sukkah in the heart of downtown, where hundreds come daily throughout Chol Hamoed to shake lulav and esrog, eat, and connect with Yiddishkeit. 

This year, the sukkah became much more than just a place for mitzvos – it was transformed into a full immersive art experience titled “Framing Our Heritage.”

The walls of the sukkah featured over 50 original works by Jewish artists from around the world – including local talent – in all mediums: oil, graphic, stencil, mixed media, and more. Each piece reflected themes of Yiddishkeit, Jewish tradition, and chassidus, turning the sukkah into a visual celebration of Torah, history, and heritage.

The art gallery concept drew countless visitors throughout the week – not only to view the stunning displays, but to do the mitzvah of lulav and esrog and be inspired. It became a major attraction in the center of the city, with a steady flow of Yidden and non-Jews alike engaging with the display.

“This year we wanted to elevate the experience,” said Rabbi Benhiyoun. “The sukkah was always an attraction, but now it also speaks through art – reaching much more people and in a deeper way.”

Programs ran daily, and everything was free and open to the public. The display honored Jewish tradition while engaging modern creativity – bridging generations and backgrounds, and showing the beauty of Torah through artistic expression.