The Festival of Tabernacles — a joyful seven-day harvest festival that begins on the fifteenth of Tishrei. Sukkot commemorates the forty years the Israelites spent wandering in the desert under divine protection after the Exodus from Egypt, living in temporary shelters. It is also one of the three ancient pilgrimage festivals.
Sukkot holds a dual significance: it is both a harvest thanksgiving and a historical commemoration. The sukkah — a temporary hut with an open roof through which the stars can be seen — represents the fragile dwellings of the Israelites in the desert and teaches humility and dependence on God. The holiday is called 'the season of our rejoicing' in Jewish liturgy. The four species — lulav (palm branch), etrog (citron), hadassim (myrtle), and aravot (willow) — are waved together in all six directions to symbolize God's presence throughout the universe. Sukkot also has ecological significance, reminding us of our connection to and dependence on the natural world.
The central observance is building and dwelling in a sukkah — a temporary outdoor structure decorated with hanging fruits, paper chains, and artwork. Meals and sometimes sleep are taken in the sukkah. The four species are held together and waved daily during morning prayers. The holiday includes Hallel (praise psalms) and Hoshana prayers in synagogue. Simchat Beit HaShoevah water-drawing celebrations with music and dancing were held in ancient times and are still celebrated today. The last day, Hoshana Rabbah, carries special significance as a final opportunity for divine mercy.
“You shall dwell in sukkot for seven days. All who are native Israelites shall dwell in sukkot, that your generations may know that I made the children of Israel dwell in sukkot when I brought them out of the land of Egypt. I am the Lord your God.”— Leviticus 23:42-43
Moadim L'Simcha — Appointed times for rejoicing