Protection
We leave the comfort of our homes and sit under branches. It is a reminder of Hashem's care, the Clouds of Glory that surrounded the Jewish people in the desert.
Sukkot basics
What is Sukkot? A plain-English guide.
A festival of joy that follows Yom Kippur. Here is what Sukkot means, why we sit in a sukkah, and how the seven days unfold.
The meaning
Three reasons Sukkot matters
Joy
Sukkot is called Zman Simchateinu, the season of our joy. Coming right after Yom Kippur, it is a celebration of a fresh start.
Unity
The four species are four very different plants, bound together. Together they represent all kinds of Jews, each with their own strengths.
The guests
Seven honored guests.
Each night of Sukkot we invite one of the great figures of our history into the sukkah: Avraham, Yitzchak, Yaakov, Moshe, Aharon, Yosef and David. These are the Ushpizin, the honored guests.
The custom reminds us that the sukkah is meant to be shared, and that a real table always has room for one more person.
The days of Sukkot
How the festival unfolds
- The first day.A full yom tov. We light candles, make Kiddush in the sukkah, and take the four species.
- Chol HaMoed.The middle days. Work is limited to real needs, and the festival atmosphere continues with family, friends and outings.
- Hoshana Rabbah.The seventh day. We circle with the lulav and beat the aravot as a final prayer for the year.
- Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah.In Israel these fall together on the 22nd of Tishrei. We pray for rain, dance with the Torah, and begin the reading again.
FAQ
Sukkot basics, answered
What is Sukkot?
Sukkot is a seven-day Jewish festival that follows Yom Kippur. We eat, relax and celebrate in a temporary hut called a sukkah, and we hold the four species: lulav, etrog, hadassim and aravot.
Why do we sit in a sukkah?
The Torah tells us to dwell in sukkot to remember how Hashem sheltered the Jewish people in the desert after the Exodus. Our sages explain that this refers to the Clouds of Glory that surrounded them. It teaches us to trust that real security comes from above, not only from walls.
What is Chol HaMoed?
The middle days of Sukkot. Work is permitted for real needs, but they remain festival days, with the sukkah, lulav and etrog, and a joyful atmosphere.
What is Hoshana Rabbah?
The seventh day of Sukkot. We circle the synagogue seven times with the lulav and then beat a bundle of willow branches, as a last prayer for a good year.
Is Sukkot celebrated differently in Israel?
Yes. In Israel the first day of Sukkot is a single festival day, and Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah fall together on one day at the end of the holiday.
Do I need to be religious to join?
No. Jewish people of every background are welcome at our table and in our sukkah.
Join us
Want to celebrate Sukkot with company?
We would love to host you for a meal in the sukkah. Tell us when you are free and how many of you are coming.
Let's stay in touch
Your next connection starts with hello.
Join our WhatsApp group for community updates, activities, and ways to take part.