From Bob the Builder to Sukkahs: One Family's Journey
Jodie Sadowsky's son had always been fascinated by building and construction. At two years old, he dressed up as Bob the Builder for Halloween, and his passion only grew stronger with time. He built obstacle courses for neighborhood squirrels, bike ramps in their driveway, and even a treehouse in the woods.
As his interest in building continued to evolve, Sadowsky's son introduced him to the Jewish tradition of building a sukkah for the harvest festival of Sukkot. Around his 11th birthday, Sadowsky joined his friend in constructing a sukkah, which sparked a new family ritual.
Sukkot commemorates the biblical commandment to dwell in temporary huts for one week each year, symbolizing the protective canopy God created for the Jewish people during their 40-year journey in the desert. Sadowsky's friend had built the sukkah using $200 worth of supplies from Home Depot.
With each passing year, Sadowsky and her family refined their construction process, completing it in under an hour with reusable materials. They marked the beams to ensure accurate assembly and added personal touches like artwork and beads. Sukkot became a time for them to welcome guests, honor tradition, and connect with nature.
As her son entered college, Sadowsky found a new way to share the joy of Sukkot: writing a children's book about it. 'A Sukkah for Bella' was released by Lovevery, a company that creates educational materials for young children. The book features realistic photography and aims to help readers connect with Jewish traditions.