A house, a citrus and a plant? Learn about Sukkot
Sukkot is celebrated to commemorate the 40 years the Jewish people spent in the desert on their way to Israel. It begins five days after Yom Kippur and is one of the three pilgrimage festivals, along with Passover and Shavuot.
There are many fun and interesting things to be said about Sukkot. It is a unique holiday with fun customs that everyone in the family can be involved in!
Building the Sukkah
- Traditional Structure: A Sukkah is a small outdoor "house" traditionally made of palm or bamboo. It serves as a reminder of the temporary shelters used by the Israelites in the desert.
- Modern Adaptations: While traditional materials are still used, modern adaptations of the Sukkah continue to evolve.
- Usage: Most Jewish families eat their meals in the Sukkah during Sukkot. Some also choose to sleep or relax in them.
- Construction Requirements:
- At least two and a half walls.
- Roof (schach) made of branches or leaves, allowing the sky to be visible through it.
Duration of Sukkot
- Length: Sukkot spans 8 days in the United States and 7 days in Israel, making it one of the longer Jewish holidays.
The Four Species
- Lulav and Etrog: Sukkot features the unique practice of using the lulav (bundle of branches) and etrog (citrus fruit).
- Lulav Composition: Consists of palm, myrtle, and willow branches.
- Etrog: Typically a large lemon, but can be any citrus fruit.
- Symbolism: The four species represent the bounty of the Holy Land and are waved or shaken during various times throughout the holiday.
Celebratory Practices
- Commemorating the Desert Journey: Sukkot honors the resilience and faith of the Jewish people during their 40-year journey in the desert.
- Pilgrimage Festival: As one of the three pilgrimage festivals, it highlights the importance of community and communal worship in Jewish tradition.