by Ram ben Ze'ev
Sukkot, often referred to by non-Jewish people as the "Festival of Booths" or "Feast of Tabernacles," is a Torah-commanded holiday and one of the most joyous and significant holidays in the Jewish calendar. This eight-day celebration, which typically falls in late September or early October, is a time for Jews around the world to come together, commemorate our historical journey, and give thanks to G-D for the harvest. In this article, I delve into the rich traditions, customs, and symbolism that surround Sukkot, shedding light on its deep cultural and spiritual significance.
The names used in the Torah are Chag HaAsif, translating to "Festival of Ingathering" or "Harvest Festival," and Chag HaSukkot, translating to "Festival of Booths" and it finds its origins in the historical narrative of the Jewish people as we wandered in the wilderness following our liberation from slavery in Egypt. The holiday serves as a reminder of our nomadic existence, dwelling in temporary structures or booths, known as Sukkot in Hebrew. According to the Torah, the Israelites constructed these booths as shelters during their 40-year journey to Ha'Aretz Hamuvtakhat (הארץ המובטחת), the Promised Land.
Sukkot is mentioned in Shemot (Book of Exodus) 34:22 as agricultural in nature—"Feast of Weeks". Of a more religious significance, Sukkot is mentioned in Vayikra (Book of Leviticus) 23:42-43 commemorating the Exodus from Egypt and the dependence of the People of Israel on the will of G-D.
Sukkot lasts for eight days, with the first two days and the last day being the most significant. The holiday begins on the 15th day of Tishrei, the seventh month of the Jewish lunar calendar. This timing coincides with the fall harvest in Israel, making it a time of both spiritual reflection and agricultural celebration.
The central observance of Sukkot involves building a Sukkah, a temporary hut or booth, in one's backyard or another suitable location. The Sukkah is typically made of a framework of wooden or metal beams covered with branches or bamboo, allowing for some sunlight to filter through. The roof, known as S'chach (סכך), should be made of plant material such as palm leaves or bamboo mats. It should be sparse enough to see the sky but provide enough shade to be comfortable during meals and gatherings.
Inside the Sukkah, families often decorate with fruits, vegetables, and other harvest symbols. It is customary to hang colourful paper chains, artwork created by children, and even tapestries to make the Sukkah a festive and inviting space.
Another central element of Sukkot is the use of the "Four Species," which are symbolic of various aspects of life and nature. These four species consist of the Etrog (אתרוג) a citron, the Lulav (לולב) a palm frond, the Hadass (הדס) myrtle branches, and the Aravah (ערבה) willow branches. During Sukkot, these items are held together and waved in six directions—north, south, east, west, up, and down—in a special prayer, the mitzvah of the Lulav and Etrog. Each of these components has its own symbolism, representing different parts of the Jewish community and aspects of the harvest.
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The Etrog, which resembles a lemon but has a distinct appearance and fragrance, represents the heart. The Lulav, with its tall, straight palm frond, symbolises the spine. The Hadass, characterised by its sweet fragrance, represents the eyes. Finally, the Aravah, which has neither taste nor smell, signifies the lips. The waving of the Four Species is a physical expression of gratitude for the harvest and a symbolic prayer for a bountiful year ahead.
Throughout Sukkot, Jewish families and communities gather in the Sukkah to share meals and celebrate together. Many people eat all their meals in the Sukkah, regardless of weather conditions, to fulfil the mitzvah (מצוה) commandment (not a 'good deed') of dwelling in the Sukkah. This practice fosters a sense of unity and gratitude while connecting with the holiday's historical significance.
One of the traditional foods served during Sukkot is Challah bread with honey, symbolizing the sweetness of life. Additionally, fruits and vegetables, particularly those that are in season and represent the harvest, play a prominent role in Sukkot meals. Dishes like stuffed cabbage leaves, honey-glazed carrots, and stuffed peppers are common staples.
Sukkot is also known for the festive Simchat Beit Hashoevah (שמחת בית השואבה) or Rejoicing/Joy at the Place of the Water-Drawing, which took place in the Temple in Jerusalem. During this celebration, water was drawn from the Berekat HaSiloah (בכת השִילוֹח) Pool/Spring of Siloam and brought to the Temple, where it was poured on the altar. This ritual was accompanied by music, singing, and dancing.
Today, in the absence of the Temple, Jewish communities often recreate the spirit of Simchat Beit Hashoevah by gathering for lively celebrations, music, and dancing. It is a time to express joy and gratitude for water, an essential element for sustaining life and agriculture.
Sukkot embodies several spiritual themes that resonate with Jews around the world. The most prominent themes include gratitude, humility, and unity. By dwelling in a Sukkah, we, the Jewish people, are reminded of the transience of life and the impermanence of material possessions, emphasising the importance of humility and gratitude for what we have. The holiday also underscores the unity of the Jewish people, as we join together to celebrate our shared history and blessings.
Sukkot is a holiday of profound significance, encompassing historical remembrance, agricultural celebration, and spiritual reflection. It reminds Jewish communities worldwide of our ancestral journey, the harvest season, and the importance of unity, gratitude, and humility. Through the building of the Sukkah, the waving of the Four Species, and festive gatherings, Sukkot brings people together to rejoice in the blessings of life and to look forward to a bountiful future. In the Sukkah's temporary shelter, Jews find a profound connection to our roots and a reaffirmation of our faith and trust in G-D and our Community.
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Bill White (Ram ben Ze'ev) is CEO of WireNews and Executive Director of Hebrew Synagogue