Sukkot

Sukkot History

Sukkot, the Feast of Tabernacles, is a week-long Jewish festival commemorating the forty years the ancient Israelites wandered the desert and lived in temporary shelters. This joyous biblical holiday has historical significance and agricultural components, as it marks the end of the harvest season in Israel. It is one of the three major pilgrimage festivals in the Jewish calendar, alongside Passover and Shavuot, in which participating Jews are traditionally expected to journey to the Holy Temple in Jerusalem.

The origin of Sukkot can be traced back to the Torah, the Jewish written law, where it is mentioned as a time to rejoice with family and friends in the sukkah, a temporary hut topped with branches and often adorned with decorations such as fruits and flowers. Although Canada does not share the same agricultural traditions as Israel, the festival remains important for Canadian Jews to celebrate their faith and cultural heritage. Israeli-Canadian events such as the Jewish Israeli Film Festival and the Celebration of Israel have incorporated Sukkot in their programming, highlighting the continued significance of the holiday in Canada.

In Canada, observance of Sukkot typically involves building a sukkah at one's home or Synagogue and participating in festive meals, prayers, and other religious activities throughout the week. Some Canadian Jewish communities also hold gatherings or events in sukkahs during the holiday, allowing members to connect with their faith, history, and one another while celebrating the festival. Sukkot occurs in the autumn, generally falling in late September or early October depending on the Hebrew calendar's lunar cycle. In 2022, for example, the festival is set to begin on the evening of October 9th and conclude on the evening of October 16th for Canadian Jews.

Sukkot (Begins) facts

• Sukkot is also a harvest festival. It is sometimes referred to as Chag Ha-Asif, the Festival of Ingathering. No work is permitted on the first day. However, some work is allowed on the intermediate days which are known as Chol Hamoed.
• Each day of Succot is associated with Ushpezin (visitors), one of seven Succah visitors. Each day has its visitor, starting with Abraham. The other visitors are: Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Aaron, David and Solomon.
• The seventh day of Sukkot is a special day known as Hoshanah Rabbah. It is considered the last day on which the divine judgment initiated on Rosh Hashanah can be altered or reversed. Traditional practices include a special synagogue service and beating willow branches on the ground.
• The Four Species (arba minim) are an important part of Sukkot. In Canada, these include the etrog (citron), lulav (palm frond), hadass (myrtle), and aravah (willow). These species are held together and waved in the synagogue during special Sukkot prayers.
• Sukkot, also known as the Feast of Tabernacles, commemorates the time when the Israelites wandered in the desert after their exodus from Egypt, dwelling in temporary structures called sukkahs. The holiday also celebrates the autumn harvest.

In the News and Trending in Canada for Sukkot

Top things to do in Canada for Sukkot

• Purchase or make your own Sukkah. They are typically designed to be assembled and disassembled quickly - in less than two hours by two people.
• One can buy the four kinds (of material used to build Sukkot as per the Torah) or order them from Israel. The four kinds include palm branches, an Etrog (citron), three willow branches and two myrtle branches. The palm, myrtle and willow are bound together in a palm holder.
• Since Sukkot is an agricultural holiday, it's an excellent time to visit a farmer's market and enjoy fresh, locally grown produce. This can also be a great opportunity to purchase seasonal fruits and vegetables to include in your Sukkot meals.
• Invite family and friends over to celebrate Sukkot by sharing a festive meal in a sukkah. Traditional Sukkot foods include stuffed vegetables, soups, and dishes that incorporate the harvest's bounty.