Sukkot marks the end of the agricultural harvest season. It is observed by Jews all over the world and commemorates the gathering of the fall harvest in ancient Israel. During Sukkot, families are encouraged to build outdoor sukkahs (temporary shelters) to remind them of their nomadic ancestors who lived in temporary dwellings during their journey through the desert. Traditionally, meals are eaten in these sukkahs throughout the holiday’s seven-day period with family and friends. Each day, a different blessing is said over four species of fruits or plants – two of which are considered staples of the harvest, while others represent joy and festivity. At its core, Sukkot marks both an end and a beginning – recognizing that as one cycle closes, another will soon arrive.
Family and friends come together on this occasion
Some families travel together to forge a stronger bond. Moreover, individuals use this occasion to fulfill their travel dreams. Sukkot travel has become popular thanks to the more convenient and relaxed hotel experience. Booking a trip for Succos provides guests access to all conveniences necessary for a good trip. Families can travel to cities worldwide with large Jewish populations that observe Sukkot and experience traditional celebrations, such as outdoor singing and dancing, building sukkahs, eating meals in these sukkahs with family and friends, blessing fruits or plants from the harvest, and more. Additionally, visiting a synagogue during the holiday is an excellent way to learn about the customs of Sukkot in detail.
A holiday marking the 40-year-old journey
Sukkot is an important Jewish holiday celebrated in late autumn. It marks the conclusion of the 40-year journey the Israelites took when they left ancient Egypt for their land of Canaan. During this period, families often gather together and build a temporary shelter called a Sukkah, which serves as a reminder of the wilderness huts that Moses and his followers used to live in during their travels.
Sukkot is also known as the Feast of Tabernacles
During the forty years of wandering in the wilderness, commonly known as the Exodus, Jews lived a nomadic lifestyle. They stayed in temporary dwellings called sukkahs and moved from place to place with their livestock. According to scripture, this was a time when God provided miraculous interventions like parting the Red Sea and providing manna from heaven while they traveled. When Jews eventually settled in Israel, God commanded them to honor this experience and their ancestor’s journey through an eight-day holiday known as Sukkot – the Feast of Tabernacles.
Sukkot is celebrated in a special sukkah, or hut, where people spend time together
The sukkah is traditionally built from branches and leaves gathered outdoors, such as palm fronds or bamboo. The walls are constructed with wood panels, sticks, or reeds and then covered with fabric or branches for a roof. The door should face east towards Jerusalem, and each wall is said to represent one of the four matriarchs (Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel, and Leah). On top of the roof, boughs of citrus fruits and other materials like myrtle, willow, and palms are added to provide shade from the sun.
It is a 7-day festival
Each day of Sukkot has its special meaning and activities. On the first two days, there is a solemn ceremony called “Ushpizin,” where seven historical figures take their place at the table and offer blessings. During this time, Jews eat dinner in the sukkah, recite blessings over food, and exchange gifts with family members. They also leave some food in the sukkah for ‘hungry guests’ who might pass by during the evening. On the seventh day of Sukkot, an extra-special meal is shared, and songs are sung inside the hut – followed by dancing outside near a fireside or bonfire.
