Sukkot: The Feast of Booths

Jewish holidays · harvest · history

Building booths. During Sukkot, Jewish families build temporary huts called sukkahs out of wood and branches. These simple shelters remind people of the huts that ancestors lived in during their journey out of Egypt long ago.

Harvest celebration. Sukkot happens in the fall and celebrates the time when crops are ready to pick. Jewish families gather together for festive meals inside their sukkahs to give thanks for the food that grew during the year.

Four special species. During Sukkot, people hold and bless four types of plants: palm branches, willow branches, myrtle branches, and a citrus fruit. These plants are waved together as part of the holiday celebrations.

Seven days long. Sukkot lasts for seven days starting on the 15th day of the Jewish month of Tishrei, which usually falls in September or October. It is one of the most important festivals in the Jewish calendar.

Ancient pilgrimage. Long ago, Jewish people would travel to the Temple in Jerusalem during Sukkot to celebrate together. This was one of three special times each year when people made this important journey.