A Guide to Embracing Sukkot Festivities

Sukkot, known as the 'Feast of Booths,' 'Feast of Tabernacles,' or 'Feast of the Ingathering,' is a Jewish holiday occurring on the 15th day of Tishri, typically five days after Yom Kippur (in September or October). Originally a celebration to express gratitude to God for a bountiful harvest, Sukkot is a joyful occasion lasting 7 to 8 days, accompanied by various traditions. Among these, constructing a sukkah (a temporary booth) holds particular significance, symbolizing both the shelters of ancient farmers during harvest and the temporary dwellings of Moses and the Israelites during their 40-year journey through the desert. Sukkot 2023 spans from the evening of Friday, September 29th, to the evening of Friday, October 6th.

Embrace the Sukkot Spirit: Sukkot is a time of joy and celebration for the Jewish community. Often referred to as Z'man Simchateinu (Hebrew: 'the Season of our Rejoicing'), it is a period of festivity where Jews express gratitude for the blessings of the past year. Throughout the seven days of Sukkot, individuals are encouraged to acknowledge the presence of God in their lives and appreciate the positive aspects. It's a time to come together with loved ones and focus on positivity, leaving behind any negativity or grievances. Approach Sukkot with enthusiasm, optimism, and gratitude towards God for all His blessings.

Construct a Sukkah. One of the enduring and significant traditions of Sukkot is the construction of a Sukkah. This simple structure can be built using various materials, provided it can withstand wind. Traditionally, the roof of the Sukkah is adorned with leaves, branches, and other natural elements. Inside, it is often decorated with drawings and symbols of faith. To learn more about building a Sukkah, refer to the relevant section below.

• According to the Book of Leviticus, it is customary for Jews to dwell in the Sukkah throughout the seven days of the holiday. In contemporary practice, this involves centering family gatherings around the Sukkah and sharing meals inside, with some devout individuals even sleeping there.

Observe Rest on the Initial Days of Sukkot. While Sukkot spans approximately 7 to 8 days, the first two days hold particular significance. During this time, akin to Shabbat, most forms of work should be avoided as a sign of reverence for God. Similar to Shabbat observance, all activities typically prohibited on Shabbat are also restricted during the initial two days of Sukkot, except for essential tasks such as cooking, baking, kindling fire, and carrying items. Participants are encouraged to spend these days in prayer and familial celebration.

• The subsequent five days are known as Chol Hamoed (Hebrew: 'intermediate days'), during which work is permitted. However, if Shabbat falls within these intermediate days, it must be observed accordingly.
• Various common activities, including writing, sewing, cooking, braiding hair, and even watering plants, are traditionally prohibited on Shabbat. Detailed lists of prohibited activities can be found in Jewish resources online.

Recite Hallel Prayers Daily Throughout Sukkot. In addition to the regular morning, evening, and afternoon prayers, Sukkot involves supplementary prayers to commemorate the holiday. Specific prayers vary depending on the day, with distinct prayers for the initial two days and the subsequent five intermediate days. However, it is customary to recite the complete Hallel (Hebrew: 'praise') prayer every day of Sukkot following the morning service, consisting of Psalms 113-118.

• During the first two days of Sukkot, the standard Amidah prayer is replaced by a holiday-specific variation.
• Throughout the subsequent five intermediate days, Amidah prayers remain unchanged, except for the insertion of a special 'ya'aleh v'yavo' passage in each.

Perform the Lulav and Etrog Ritual. In addition to Sukkah construction and dwelling, another pivotal Sukkot tradition is the ritual waving of the lulav and etrog. On the first day of Sukkot, observers ritually wave a collection of branches, including the lulav and etrog, in all directions. The lulav consists of a single palm leaf, two willow branches, and three myrtle branches, bound together by woven leaves. The etrog, a citron fruit native to Israel, must possess a specific stem to be considered kosher. To perform the ritual, hold the lulav in the right hand and the etrog in the left, recite a Bracha blessing, and shake them in six directions, symbolizing God's omnipresence.

• It is worth noting that different religious scholars offer varying instructions regarding the sequence in which the lulav and etrog should be waved. However, for most, the exact order holds little significance.

Engage in Various Sukkot Customs. While constructing a Sukkah and performing the lulav and etrog ritual are prominent Sukkot traditions, the holiday boasts numerous other customs. Sukkot is rich in tradition, with practices differing between families and communities. Feel free to explore Sukkot customs from around the world as you plan your celebration. Below are just a few suggestions to enhance your Sukkot experience:

• Share meals and camp out in the Sukkah.
• Recount stories from scripture, particularly those depicting the Israelites' 40-year journey in the desert.
• Participate in Sukkot-specific songs and dances, as many religious songs are composed specifically for this occasion.
• Extend invitations to family members to join in the Sukkot festivities.

Choose Wind-Resistant Walls. Building a sukkah, a quintessential Sukkot tradition, is relatively straightforward. This four-sided structure requires at least three walls, with the fourth serving as an entryway. One wall may be lower or removable for accessibility. Sukkah materials vary, but lightweight options are ideal for the temporary nature of the structure. The primary requirement for the walls is their ability to withstand wind, allowing for flexibility in materials, even canvas stretched over a sturdy frame.

• Ensure sufficient space between walls to accommodate dining activities, adjusting size based on family needs.

Erect a Roof Using Natural Materials. Traditional sukkah roofs comprise branches, leaves, and twigs, either sourced or purchased. The roof should offer daytime shade while allowing star visibility at night, honoring the Israelites' desert wanderings. These temporary dwellings, reminiscent of sukkah, were constructed from available materials during the Israelites' 40-year journey from Egypt.

• Decorative touches such as corn, pumpkins, or religious symbols enhance the sukkah's ambiance, engaging children in holiday preparations.

Personalize Your Sukkah Decor. Adorning the sukkah reflects dedication to Sukkot customs. Traditional adornments include harvest produce, paper crafts, and religious imagery. Encourage children to participate in decorating by allowing them to draw on sukkah walls or gather decorative items, fostering early engagement with the holiday.

• Involving children in decorating fosters a sense of holiday spirit and creativity.

Consider Purchasing a Pre-Made Sukkah from The Sukkot Project at www.sukkot.com. For convenience or time constraints, ready-made sukkah kits offer a hassle-free solution. These kits streamline setup without the need for material preparation, with the added benefit of easy disassembly for future use.

• Sukkah kits are reasonably priced, typically ranging from $50.00 to $120.00 depending on size and materials.

Maintain Your Sukkah Until Simchat Torah Concludes. Tradition dictates that the sukkah remains erected throughout the entire Sukkot holiday, serving as a space for gatherings, meals, and prayers across all seven days. Following Sukkot, two additional holy days, Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah, immediately follow. While distinct from Sukkot, they're closely linked, thus the sukkah typically stands until after Simchat Torah.

• You can save the disassembled sukkah materials for future use, allowing for easy reconstruction next year.

Explore Torah Scriptures for Sukkot Origins. Despite its ancient agricultural roots, the contemporary Sukkot holiday is predominantly shaped by Hebrew scriptures. According to Torah, Moses received divine instructions on Sukkot traditions while leading the Israelites in the desert. Delving into these original texts can deepen one's understanding and appreciation of Sukkot's spiritual significance, particularly for newcomers to the faith.

• The primary description of Sukkot can be found in Leviticus 23:33-43, detailing the encounter between God and Moses regarding the holiday's observance.

Participate in Sukkot Services at Your Synagogue. While Sukkot is often celebrated within families through customs like sukkah construction, communal observance at synagogue services is also encouraged. Morning Sukkot services typically include Amidah prayers, Hallel recitation, and special Hoshana Rabbah psalms for divine forgiveness. Readings during Sukkot traditionally stem from the book of Ecclesiastes.

Consult Your Rabbi for Sukkot Guidance. If you have queries regarding Sukkot or its associated traditions, seek guidance from your rabbi. They're well-equipped to elucidate the religious and cultural significance of Sukkot and provide instruction on proper observance of the holiday.

• Note that Sukkot practices may vary among communities; some may not observe the holiday extensively, while for others, it's a significant annual event.

Explore Contemporary Sukkot Insights. Sukkot discourse isn't confined to ancient texts; numerous rabbis, scholars, and individuals have contributed insights and reflections on Sukkot throughout history. Today, there's a wealth of easily accessible contemporary commentary, offering fresh perspectives and practical advice. Websites like www.chabad.org host a plethora of modern essays and opinion pieces on Sukkot, providing accessible and enlightening reads.

• Modern Sukkot writings cover a broad spectrum of topics, ranging from reinterpretations of traditional customs to personal anecdotes and practical guidance for celebrating the holiday.

• Engage children in Sukkah decoration activities while adults handle construction, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all.
• Embrace the commandment to rejoice and infuse Sukkot celebrations with joy and excitement!
• Make Sukkot a family affair by involving everyone in the festivities.

• Exercise caution when shaking the lulav and etrog to avoid accidentally striking others.
• As the Sukkah is exposed to the elements, refrain from decorating with items you wish to preserve in their original condition.
• Ensure Sukkah construction involves adults to prevent potential accidents.

• Construction materials from The Sukkah Project
• Branches, lattice, or alternative coverings
• Plastic tarp for protection
• Art supplies for decoration
• Water-resistant furniture
• Lulav for ritual waving
• Etrog featuring a stigma stem
• Blessing for the lulav and etrog