By David Woolpy
Assistant Editor
Only days after the solemn prayers of Yom Kippur, the Jewish calendar turns to celebration with Sukkot, the Festival of Booths or the Feast of Tabernacles. Lasting seven days, Sukkot is both a harvest festival and a reminder of the Israelites’ journey through the wilderness. But most of all, coming five days after Yom Kippur, Sukkot is a time of joy.
At the heart of the holiday is the sukkah — a temporary outdoor hut or booth with a roof of branches or cornstalks, and at least three walls. Families eat meals inside, and some even sleep there. Its fragile walls serve as a reminder that true security does not come from buildings or possessions, but from faith, community and divine protection. Spending time in the sukkah represents the 40 years spent in the wilderness with only G-D’s protection.
The assembly or construction of the sukkah takes all forms, and often becomes a part of the tradition with children helping with decorations and the whole family being involved. While the materials used can take all forms the roof should be natural, and — weather permitting — allow for some openings to see the stars.
Another central ritual is the waving of the Four Species: the lulav (palm branch), etrog (citron), hadas (myrtle) and aravah (willow). Raised together and waved in all directions, they symbolize G-D’s presence everywhere and connect worshippers to the natural world.
Sukkot is also called z’man simchateinu — “the season of joy.” It is one of Judaism’s most festive holidays, filled with meals, music and gatherings in sukkot decorated with fruits, vegetables and artwork. Hospitality plays a central role, with the tradition of inviting both friends and the symbolic “ushpizin” — honored guests from Jewish history — into the sukkah.
In fact, in modern times many evangelicals celebrate Sukkot in connection with the coming of the messiah, an unusual development for a Jewish holiday.
In today’s world, Sukkot carries powerful messages. It teaches humility by reminding us of life’s fragility. It encourages gratitude for the harvests we enjoy, whether literal or symbolic. And it emphasizes joy — not the fleeting kind, but a deep sense of contentment that comes from connection to G-D, family and community.
