Sukkot – Feast of Tabernacles

Table of Dates Correlating to Gregorian Calendar

Dates for the celebration of Sukkot – 2023 – September 30^th, 2024 – October 17^th, 2025 – October 7^th, 2026 – September 26^th, 2027 – October 16^th, 2028 – October 5^th, 2029 – September 24^th, 2030 – October 12^th

Overview

Sukkot is a Jewish festival in remembrance of the time when the Israelites wandered in the wilderness after their exodus from Egypt, as read about in Lev 23. The Jewish calendar marks this date on the 15^th of Tishri, which correlates this event with the Gregorian calendar in the months of Sept – October.  The festival has a rich history dating back thousands of years and is one of the three major pilgrimage festivals in Judaism, along with Pesach (Passover) and Shavuot (Feast of Weeks); in which believers and celebrators will go to Jerusalem for the festival.

Etymology and Timing

Sukkot, also spelled Sukkoth, Succoth, Sukkos, Succot, or Succos, is Hebrew for the word Huts or Booths. The singular word Sukka, also referring to the Feast of Tabernacles or Feast of Booths is a Jewish autumn festival that doubles thanksgiving to God and begins on the 15th day of Tishri, five days after Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement.

Origin and History

The origins can be traced back to the Hebrew Bible as see in the Book of Leviticus chapter 23. The Feast of Tabernacles or Booths, should be celebrated on the 15th day of the month of Tishrei, five days after Yom Kippur. It was a time of great agricultural significance, marking the end of the harvest season.
Sukkot marks the observance of the 40 years the Israelites spent in the wilderness, living in temporary shelters or booths called sukkot. These structures were made of branches and leaves and provided minimal protection from the elements. Sukkot served as a reminder of the Israelites’ reliance on God during their journey.

Besides a Biblical narrative, Sukkot gained historical significance historically. It became associated with the commemoration of significant Jewish events, such as the dwelling in sukkot during the construction of the Tabernacle. The Tabernacle or Mishkan was constructed in the desert and when the Jewish people re-establishment their worship of God during the time of Ezra and Nehemiah.

There was also an agricultural significance associated with Sukkot, as it symbolized gratitude for the bounty of the land. It was an occasion to give thanks for a successful harvest. During the Temple period in ancient Jerusalem, offerings were made at the altar, including the waving of the Four Species, arba’ah minim – a palm branch – lulav; willow branches – aravot; myrtle branches – hadassim; and a citron fruit – Etrog.

Religious Beliefs & Ceremonies

Sukkot is celebrated for seven days in Israel (eight days outside Israel) and is marked by various customs and ceremonies. The central element is the construction of a tabernacle, or sukkah, usually made with a thatched roof and decorated with fruits, vegetables, and artwork. Jews are encouraged to eat their meals and, in some cases, sleep in the sukkah.

The sukkah is often built large enough to accommodate family and guests, emphasizing the importance of hospitality and coming together and to represent unity and community. It is common for families and communities to gather in the sukkah, share meals, and celebrate together, fostering a sense of unity and connection. The sukkah represents the fragile dwellings the Israelites relied upon during that time and serves as a reminder of their dependence on God’s protection and provision. It represents the fact they relied on Gods divine protection and that He is their shelter.

Sukkot is a time of expressing gratitude for the harvest and blessings received. It is a reminder of the abundance of nature and the goodness of God. The festival encourages individuals to appreciate the physical and spiritual blessings in their lives and to give thanks for them. Sukkot is known as “The Season of Our Rejoicing” and is associated with happiness and celebration. It is a time of joy, marked by festive meals, singing, dancing, and expressing gratitude. The focus on joy during Sukkot reflects the Jewish belief in the importance of finding joy in the present moment and appreciating life’s blessings.

The temporary nature of the sukkah signifies the impermanence of life and material possessions. It serves as a reminder that physical structures and possessions are temporary, while spiritual and meaningful connections endure. Sukkot encourages introspection and reflection on the transient nature of human existence.

Sukkot is associated with Messianic expectations. The festival is seen as a time when the Messianic era may begin, bringing about peace, justice, and harmony in the world. Sukkot serves as a reminder of the hope for a better future and the belief in the ultimate redemption of humanity.

Significant Icons or Attributes

Sukkot holds multiple symbolic and iconic meanings. The sukkah represents the fragility and impermanence of life, highlighting the importance of appreciating what one has. The Four Species are held together and waved in six directions, symbolizing unity and harmony among Jewish people and with God. The festival is also associated with joy and happiness, as reflected in the holiday’s alternative name, “The Season of Our Rejoicing.”

The Lulav and Etrog

The Lulav and Etrog are two of the Four Species, a group of plants used in the observance of Sukkot. They hold symbolic significance and are an integral part of Sukkot rituals. The Four Species, including the Lulav (palm branch), Hadassim (myrtle branches), Aravot (willow branches), and Etrog (citron fruit), represent different types of vegetation found in the land of Israel. The waving of the Lulav and Etrog during Sukkot is a way for Jews to express gratitude for the harvest to God.

The Lulav consists of three plant elements bound together; Palm Branch (Lulav): The central component is a branch from a date palm tree, Lulav in Hebrew. It is characterized by a long, straight central spine and multiple leaf fronds on either side. Myrtle Branches (Hadassim), two branches of myrtle are added to the Lulav.

The myrtle has an aromatic fragrance, and the branches feature clusters of leaves along their length. Willow Branches (Aravot), two branches of willow are included. Willow branches have long, narrow leaves that are green and flexible. During Sukkot, the Lulav is taken in hand, and the branches are waved in six directions (east, south, west, north, up, and down) as a symbolic gesture of acknowledging God’s presence throughout the world.

The Etrog, also known as citron, is a unique citrus fruit that resembles a large lemon. It is yellow and has a thick, bumpy skin. The Etrog is considered the most important element among the Four Species. It is held alongside the Lulav during Sukkot rituals. The Etrog is distinct for its beautiful appearance, fragrance, and taste. It is often selected based on specific criteria, such as a balanced shape, unblemished skin, and a protruding pitom, a small stem-like projection at the end. The Etrog is not waved like the Lulav but is held together with the Lulav while reciting blessings during Sukkot.

The specific terms “Lulav” and “Etrog” are not mentioned in the Bible. However, the biblical sources for their use in Sukkot rituals can be found in Leviticus 23:40: “On the first day you shall take the product of hadar trees, branches of palm trees, boughs of leafy trees, and willows of the brook, and you shall rejoice before the Lord your God seven days.”

Symbolic and Associated Foods

Sukkot, the Jewish festival of booths, is associated with various traditional foods that hold cultural and symbolic significance.

Challah – As with many Jewish holidays, challah, a braided egg bread, is often enjoyed during Sukkot. The loaves may be shaped differently to represent symbols of the holiday, such as a sukkah or the Four Species.

Etrog – The etrog, a fragrant citrus fruit, is one of the Four Species used in Sukkot rituals. While it is primarily waved during prayers, some people also incorporate the etrog into their culinary traditions. It can be used to make etrog jam, candy, or added to recipes for flavor.

Honey – Honey is frequently used to sweeten various dishes during Sukkot, symbolizing the hope for a sweet and fruitful year ahead. It is added to desserts, baked goods, and sometimes used as a dip for challah.

Stuffed Cabbage (Holishkes) -Stuffed cabbage rolls, known as holishkes or holopshes, are a popular dish during Sukkot. They typically consist of cooked cabbage leaves stuffed with a filling of ground meat, rice, and spices, and are often simmered in a tomato-based sauce.

Pumpkin Dishes -Since Sukkot falls during the autumn season, pumpkin dishes are commonly prepared. Pumpkin can be used in soups, stews, roasted as a side dish, or incorporated into desserts like pumpkin pie or cake.

Dairy Foods – Some Jewish communities have a tradition of eating dairy meals during Sukkot. This practice is particularly observed in Ashkenazi (Eastern European) Jewish communities. Dishes such as blintzes (filled crepes), cheesecakes, and kugels (baked casseroles) made with dairy ingredients are enjoyed during the festival.

Harvest Fruits and Vegetables – Sukkot is a harvest festival, and therefore, fresh fruits and vegetables are prominently featured in meals. This can include a variety of seasonal produce like apples, pomegranates, grapes, figs, dates, squash, and other locally available fruits and vegetables.

References

Infoplease – Dates of Jewish Holidays – Sukkot dates on the Gregorian Calendar

Encyclopedia Britannica – Celebration of Jewish Sukkot