Celebrating Sukkot at Home

Sukkot begins on the eve of the 15^th of Tishrei – just four days after the end of Yom Kippur. While it falls close to Yom Kippur in the Jewish calendar, it is remarkably different from it in both mood and content. Sukkot is the third in the cycle of three pilgrimage holidays (shalosh regalim), which includes Passover and Shavuot, and marks the end of the summer and ushers in the fall harvest.

Many people build Sukkot, Hebrew word meaning “booths” or “huts,” as Jewish tradition holds that the Israelites lived in similar temporary structures during their forty years of wandering through the wilderness of Sinai. It is also our link to nature and agriculture, as farmers in ancient Israel often lived in sukkot during the fall harvest period. Today, Jews invite guests into their sukkot to socialize and enjoy this joyous season.

Most of the more popular rituals of Sukkot are practiced at home. The following is a step-by-step guide for home observance of Sukkot. It includes information on traditional and symbolic foods to incorporate into your celebration of the holiday, prayers to add during meal times with your family, and some ideas for family activities during this festive time.