Succos Hoopla 

Hanging Blessings

Considering the steady stream of seudos, our bentshers are used quite a bit over Yom Tov. With limited table space in the succah and the constant setting up and clearing up, a hanging bentsher holder adds both beauty and practicality to your succah.

Materials

Embroidery hoop

2 equal-size sheets of white felt (the felt can also be a lighter version of the dye color  you choose if you want an ombre look)

Fabric dye in your color of choice

Skirt hanger

Wide container or disposable pan

Ribbon

Hot glue gun and glue sticks

White fabric paint, or printable iron-on paper

Alef-beis stencils (optional)

Pen

Scissors

1. Hang the two sheets of felt from the hanger.
2. Prepare the fabric dye in a container or pan. Holding the hook of the hanger, dip both sheets of felt into the dye, going about 2/3 up the sheet. Hang the felt to dry, leaving the container underneath to catch the drips. (Follow the instructions on the dye package to make sure the dye won’t drip if it gets wet in the succah.)
3. Cut one sheet of felt in half to serve as the pocket.
4. Trace and paint or iron on the words “v’achalta v’savata u’veirachta” in Hebrew. I used white fabric paint and it took on a blue hue as it dried.
5. Secure both sheets of felt in the embroidery hoop, leaving a bit of extra “give” on the front felt for space in the pocket. Trim excess fabric.