Sukkot

Sukkot History

Sukkot, also known as the Feast of Tabernacles, is a Jewish holiday celebrated to commemorate the protection and provision received by the ancient Israelites during their 40-year journey through the desert. This week-long festival is characterized by the construction of temporary dwellings called "sukkahs," which symbolize the temporary shelters the Israelites used on their journey to the Promised Land. The observance of Sukkot is a joyful and unifying event, as it brings together family and community members to share meals and prayers within the sukkah, and it also incorporates specific customs like the waving of the lulav (a bundle of palm, willow, and myrtle branches) and etrog (a citrus fruit).

The origins of Sukkot can be traced back to the biblical Book of Leviticus, where the Israelites were commanded to celebrate the harvest festival by dwelling in sukkahs for seven days. In the United Kingdom, Sukkot has traditionally been observed by the Jewish community, who mark this momentous occasion by engaging in religious and cultural activities. Throughout the UK, various educational events, parties, and communal gatherings are organized to highlight Sukkot's significance while promoting a deeper understanding of the holiday's rich history and symbolism.

In the United Kingdom, Sukkot celebrations occur annually in various locations, including synagogues, community centers, and even private homes, where special sukkah-building workshops may be offered to support families in constructing their temporary dwellings. In addition, British Sukkot festivities often feature the customary shaking of the lulav and etrog and the recitation of blessings and prayers unique to the holiday. The specific dates for the observance of Sukkot in the United Kingdom follow the Jewish lunar calendar, which usually places the beginning of the festival in late September or early October.

Sukkot (Begins) facts

• Sukkot is also a harvest festival. It is sometimes referred to as Chag Ha-Asif, the Festival of Ingathering. No work is permitted on the first day. However, some work is allowed on the intermediate days which are known as Chol Hamoed.
• Each day of Succot is associated with Ushpezin (visitors), one of seven Succah visitors. Each day has its visitor, starting with Abraham. The other visitors are: Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Aaron, David and Solomon.
• The seventh day of Sukkot is a special day known as Hoshanah Rabbah. It is considered the last day on which the divine judgment initiated on Rosh Hashanah can be altered or reversed. Traditional practices include a special synagogue service and beating willow branches on the ground.
• To enable Jewish families in the UK to celebrate Sukkot, some public gardens and parks, such as London's Hyde Park, have allowed Jews to build sukkahs during the holiday. This has provided an opportunity for both Jewish and non-Jewish visitors to learn about the festival and its traditions.
• The sukkah serves as a reminder of the temporary dwellings that the Israelites resided in during their time in the desert. Many Jewish families in the UK eat meals, socialize, and even sleep in the sukkah during the festival.

In the News and Trending in the UK for Sukkot

Top things to do in the UK for Sukkot

• Purchase or make your own Sukkah. They are typically designed to be assembled and disassembled quickly - in less than two hours by two people.
• One can buy the four kinds (of material used to build Sukkot as per the Torah) or order them from Israel. The four kinds include palm branches, an Etrog (citron), three willow branches and two myrtle branches. The palm, myrtle and willow are bound together in a palm holder.
• Look for local Jewish community centers or organizations hosting Sukkot events, such as workshops, lectures, meals, or family activities.
• If you or someone you know has a sukkah at home, celebrating the holiday with friends and family can be a great way to connect with the holiday's traditions while enjoying delicious food and company.

Sukkot references