What is Sukkot?

Sukkot is an annual Jewish holiday that celebrates the autumn harvest and commemorates God's protection of the Jewish people during their journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. The festival lasts for seven days. This year, Sukkot begins at sunset on September 25 and ends at sunset on October 2.

What does Sukkot mean?

The Hebrew name Chag HaSukkot means "Festival of Booths." It refers to the temporary shelters that commemorate the divine protection God provided to the Israelites during their 40 years of wandering in the Sinai Desert.

What is a sukkah?

A sukkah is a temporary outdoor structure used during Sukkot. Its roof is covered with natural vegetation, known as sechach, such as bamboo poles, branches or other raw, unprocessed plant materials. The roof should provide more shade than sunlight while still allowing the sky to be visible through the covering.

Ideally, a sukkah has four walls, although there are detailed religious guidelines that define what qualifies as a valid wall.

How is Sukkot celebrated?

During Sukkot, many activities are moved outdoors into the sukkah. Traditions include:

• Eating meals in the sukkah, and in some traditions, sleeping there as well.

• Taking the Four Kinds (Arba'at HaMinim): a palm branch (lulav), three myrtle branches (hadasim), two willow branches (aravot), and a citron (etrog). A blessing is recited, and the Four Kinds are gently waved in six directions to symbolize God's presence everywhere.

• Celebrating with joy, gratitude and hospitality by welcoming family, friends and guests into the sukkah.

A traditional greeting during the holiday is "Chag Sukkot Sameach," meaning "Happy Sukkot!"

Video: https://www.chabad.org/multimedia/video_cdo/aid/6094702/jewish/What-Is-Sukkot.htm

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