What it is

Sukkot, also known as Zman Simhatenu (“time of celebration”), is a biblical holiday celebrated by Jews worldwide. Rooted in historical tradition, the week-long festival features iconic rituals such as eating in outdoor structures called sukkahs and shaking the Four Species. Spanning over a week, it holds immense significance in Jewish culture.

Why it matters

Sukkot is one of the three pilgrimage festivals mentioned in the Torah, marking a period of togetherness and remembrance for Jewish people. Its practices, such as building the sukkah and waving the lulav, underscore the enduring nature of Jewish rituals and the communal harmony they foster.

Historical background

Sukkot is described in the Book of Numbers as one of the three pilgrimage festivals where Jews would travel to Jerusalem to offer sacrifices at the Temple. Today, while traditional sacrifices are no longer performed, the spiritual and communal aspects continue through various rituals.

The Sukkah

The sukkah is a temporary outdoor structure in which Jews sit and eat during the festival. Its construction is regulated by specific rules detailed in the Talmud and rabbinic literature, and it must be constructed with organic roofing materials like palm fronds or bamboo.

Rituals and customs

The Four Species (lulav, etrog, hadasim, aravot) are central to Sukkot and are shaken in a specific order during prayers. Also essential is the communal aspect reflected in customs such as “sukkah hops,” where families visit each other’s sukkahs. Birkat Kohanim (the priestly blessing) is another pivotal moment, especially at the Western Wall, where massive crowds gather for prayers.

The festival also includes Hoshanah Rabah and the separate or semi-separate Shmini Atzeret/Simchat Torah, emphasizing themes of both repentance and celebration.

Rules and customs

Several specific practices govern Sukkot rituals:

• The Sukkah:Must have at least two-and-a-half walls and organic roofing. Decorations are traditional for many Jews.
• Four Species:Comprising the lulav, etrog, hadasim, and aravot, shaken during specific prayers.
• Time-bound commands:Such as saying blessings when eating meals in the sukkah.

Additional practices include the mystical Ushpizin blessing, welcoming symbolic guests such as biblical patriarchs.

Sukkot Times

Here are the times for candle lighting and when Yom Tov ends in various cities:

• Jerusalem:Candle lighting: 5:47 p.m., Yom Tov ends: 6:46 p.m.
• Tel Aviv:Candle lighting: 5:48 p.m., Yom Tov ends: 6:48 p.m.
• Haifa:Candle lighting: 5:47 p.m., Yom Tov ends: 6:46 p.m.
• Beersheba:Candle lighting: 5:49 p.m., Yom Tov ends: 6:49 p.m.
• Eilat:Candle lighting: 5:50 p.m., Yom Tov ends: 6:49 p.m.
• New York:Candle lighting: 5:55 p.m., Shabbat ends: 6:51 p.m.*
• Los Angeles:Candle lighting: 5:59 p.m., Shabbat ends: 6:55 p.m.*

*Two days of Yom Tov are observed in the Diaspora, with the second day sometimes coinciding with Shabbat.

Significance

In Israel, sukkahs are ubiquitous—seen in homes, restaurants, hotels, and public venues. This ensures that the joyous essence of Sukkot permeates everyday life, spotlighting Jewish resilience and community spirit.

This story was first published on jpost.com.