A nonprofit, independent news source to inform, inspire, educate and connect the St. Louis Jewish community.

St. Louis Jewish Light

A nonprofit, independent news source to inform, inspire, educate and connect the St. Louis Jewish community.

St. Louis Jewish Light

A nonprofit, independent news source to inform, inspire, educate and connect the St. Louis Jewish community.

St. Louis Jewish Light

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Doug and Caryn Rudman carry on 29-year Sukkah tradition

Doug+and+Caryn+Rudman.
Bill Motchan
Doug and Caryn Rudman.

Doug and Caryn Rudman have celebrated Sukkkot with a special family tradition for 29 years—a sukkah that transforms into a different theme.

In 2022, the Rudman sukkah had six points, an homage to the Magen David. The 2023 version takes its inspiration from Spain and Doug’s family’s Sephardic roots. The structure is full of symbolism. For example, inside the sukkah, the Rudmans placed 12 candles on the table to represent the 12 tribes of Israel.

The Rudmans are members of United Hebrew Congregation.

Doug and Caryn Rudman (Bill Motchan)
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About the Contributor
Bill Motchan, writer/photographer
Bill worked in corporate communications for AT&T for 28 years. He is a former columnist for St. Louis Magazine. Bill has been a contributing writer for the Jewish Light since 2015 and is a three-time winner of the Rockower Award for excellence in Jewish Journalism. He also is a staff writer for the travel magazine Show-Me Missouri. Bill grew up in University City. He now lives in Olivette with his wife and cat, Hobbes. He is an avid golfer and a fan of live music. He has attended the New Orleans Jazzfest 10 times and he has seen Jimmy Buffett in concert more t han 30 times between 1985 and 2023.