What Is Sukkot and Why Is It Celebrated? A Complete Guide on How to Celebrate

When fall arrives in the Northern Hemisphere, it usually brings crisp air, golden leaves, and thoughts of pumpkins or Thanksgiving. But for Jewish families worldwide, this season has an even deeper spiritual meaning: Sukkot.

Sukkot may not be as well-known outside Jewish circles as Hanukkah or Passover, but it is one of the most meaningful and joyful holidays on the Jewish calendar. Sometimes called the Feast of Tabernacles or the Festival of Booths, it’s a celebrate

dtion filled with gratitude, history, food, hospitality, and joy.

If you’ve ever passed by a small hut in someone’s yard in late September or October, you’ve likely spotted a sukkah. But what does it mean? Why is Sukkot celebrated, and how can families (Jewish or not) observe its lessons?

Let’s dive in.

✡️ What Is Sukkot?

Sukkot (pronounced soo-COAT or SOO-kus depending on tradition) is a seven-day Jewish festival that usually falls in September or October. It starts on the 15th day of the Hebrew month of Tishrei, just five days after Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement.

Unlike Yom Kippur, which is serious and reflective, Sukkot is joyful. In Jewish tradition, it’s even called “Z’man Simchateinu”—the Season of Our Joy.

Why “Booths” or “Tabernacles”?

The name comes from the sukkah, a temporary outdoor hut built to symbolize the shelters the Israelites lived in during their 40 years wandering in the desert after leaving Egypt.

At the same time, Sukkot also celebrates the harvest season. In biblical times, it was when farmers in Israel gathered their produce and thanked God for the year’s abundance.

So in essence, Sukkot is:

• A historical holiday – remembering survival in the desert.
• An agricultural holiday – thanking God for food and blessings.
• A spiritual holiday – reminding us of life’s fragility and the importance of joy.

📅 When Is Sukkot 2025?

In 2025, Sukkot begins at sundown on Monday, October 6, and ends at nightfall on Monday, October 13. This week-long Jewish festival is a time of joy, reflection, and celebration.

The first two days of Sukkot (October 6–8) are considered full festival days. During this time, traditional observances include resting from work, attending synagogue services, and spending time in a sukkah, the temporary hut that symbolizes the shelters used by the Israelites during their 40-year journey in the desert.

The middle days of the holiday, known as Chol HaMoed, fall between October 8 and October 13. While these days are slightly less strict, the festive spirit continues. Families may continue to eat in their sukkahs, wave the Four Species (lulav, etrog, myrtle, and willow), and gather for meals, all while maintaining a balance with everyday activities.

Sukkot concludes with Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah, which start at sundown on Monday, October 13, and end at nightfall on Wednesday, October 15. These final celebrations mark the completion of the harvest season and the annual Torah reading cycle, bringing the festival to a joyful and spiritual close.

Whether celebrated in Israel, North America, or elsewhere around the world, Sukkot is a holiday that blends tradition, gratitude, and community, and knowing the exact dates helps families prepare to fully enjoy its rich customs and festivities.

🌾 Why Is Sukkot Celebrated?

Sukkot has two intertwined purposes:

1. To Remember the Exodus and God’s Protection

After leaving Egypt, the Israelites had no permanent homes. They built fragile shelters in the desert and trusted God to provide food, water, and safety.

By building and sitting in sukkahs today, Jewish families re-create that experience and remind themselves that true security doesn’t come from brick and mortar, but from faith, community, and gratitude.

2. To Give Thanks for the Harvest

Sukkot is sometimes compared to Thanksgiving because it celebrates abundance. In ancient Israel, it marked the end of the agricultural year, when crops were gathered and stored. People thanked God for their harvest and prayed for future prosperity.

Today, while most of us don’t live by farming, Sukkot still invites us to pause and be thankful for the “harvests” in our own lives—whether that means food, family, friendships, health, or meaningful work.

🏠 The Sukkah: Heart of the Holiday

At the center of Sukkot is the sukkah, a temporary hut built outdoors. Families gather in it for meals, prayers, and sometimes even sleep.

Rules for Building a Sukkah

• Walls: At least three, made from wood, fabric, or other simple materials.
• Roof (schach): Natural plant material like branches, bamboo, or corn stalks. It must provide shade but still allow you to see the stars.
• Size: Large enough for at least one person to sit comfortably.

Why It Matters

The sukkah reminds us of life’s fragility. Even a well-built sukkah won’t withstand heavy rain or storms. That vulnerability is the point—it teaches humility and trust.

At the same time, families decorate sukkahs with colorful paper chains, lights, fruits, and artwork, turning them into cozy spaces filled with warmth and joy.

🌿 The Four Species (Arba Minim)

Alongside the sukkah, the Four Species (Arba Minim) are another key part of Sukkot.

• 🍋 Etrog – A citron fruit, similar to a lemon.
• 🌴 Lulav – A closed palm branch.
• 🌿 Hadasim – Three myrtle branches.
• 🍃 Aravot – Two willow branches.

Jews bind them together (lulav, hadasim, aravot) and hold them with the etrog. During prayers, they are waved in six directions—north, south, east, west, up, and down.

Symbolism of the Four Species

• They represent different parts of the body (heart, spine, eyes, lips), teaching that all of ourselves should be devoted to serving God.
• They represent different types of people, showing the importance of unity and community.
• They represent nature’s bounty, acknowledging God’s presence in the natural world.

📜 Biblical Roots of Sukkot

Sukkot isn’t just a cultural tradition—it’s commanded in the Torah.

Leviticus 23:42–43 says:

“You shall dwell in booths seven days… so that future generations may know that I made the people of Israel dwell in booths when I brought them out of Egypt.”

Deuteronomy 16:13–15 adds:

“Celebrate the Festival of Tabernacles for seven days after you have gathered the produce of your threshing floor and your winepress… be joyful at your festival.”

That joy, gratitude, and remembrance continue to define Sukkot today.

Read More: Happy Sukkot Wishes and Greetings

🎉 How to Celebrate Sukkot

Sukkot is a festival that blends history, spirituality, and joyful celebration. Whether you’re observing it for the first time or deepening your practice, participating in its traditions offers a rich and meaningful experience. From building a sukkah to sharing meals and prayers, Sukkot invites families and communities to pause, reflect, and celebrate together. Let’s explore the key ways to observe this beautiful holiday.

🏡 Build and Decorate a Sukkah

The centerpiece of Sukkot is the sukkah, a temporary hut that symbolizes the fragile shelters used by the Israelites during their 40 years in the desert. Constructing a sukkah is not just a practical task—it’s a creative and bonding experience for the whole family.

Families typically work together to build the structure, with parents handling the framework while children contribute decorations. Kids might create colorful paper chains, hand-drawn artwork, or festive garlands to hang from the roof. Some families even incorporate natural elements like dried fruits, corn husks, or autumn leaves to reflect the harvest season.

Decorating the sukkah makes it a welcoming, joyful space—a home away from home where family and friends gather to celebrate. The act of building and adorning the sukkah itself is an exercise in mindfulness, creativity, and togetherness. It’s a reminder that even a temporary structure can become a place of beauty, community, and spiritual reflection.

The sukkah is not only meant for decoration—it’s meant to inhabit. Spending time in the sukkah allows participants to experience, however briefly, the vulnerability and trust that characterized the Israelites’ journey in the desert.

🍲 Eat in the Sukkah

Meals in the sukkah are the heart of the holiday. Every family meal—whether breakfast, lunch, or the special Friday-night Shabbat dinner—is traditionally eaten inside the sukkah. This simple act transforms ordinary eating into a spiritual experience.

Sukkot meals are often abundant and festive, featuring seasonal dishes that celebrate the harvest. Families might enjoy stuffed vegetables, hearty soups and stews, fresh fruits, and round challah bread, symbolizing the cycles of life. The experience of eating outdoors, under the roof of branches, brings a tangible connection to the natural world and to the historical roots of the holiday.

For many, sharing meals in the sukkah becomes a cherished ritual. Conversations linger longer, laughter is shared freely, and even simple snacks feel special. It’s a time to slow down, express gratitude for the food and blessings in life, and strengthen the bonds between family and friends.

🌙 Sleep in the Sukkah

For those seeking a deeper connection to the holiday, spending a night in the sukkah is a magical and memorable experience. Sleeping outdoors, under the stars, reminds participants of the temporary nature of life and the protection provided by faith and community.

Children often find this aspect especially exciting. Setting up sleeping bags or blankets in the sukkah transforms it into a cozy, adventurous space. Parents can use the opportunity to share stories about Sukkot, the Exodus, or family history, creating memories that last a lifetime.

Even for adults, sleeping in the sukkah provides a sense of serenity, connecting the mind and spirit to the cycles of nature and the tradition’s historical roots. It’s a unique way to step out of everyday routines and embrace the simplicity and joy of the holiday.

🌿 Wave the Lulav and Etrog

Another central Sukkot ritual is the waving of the Four Species—the lulav (palm branch), hadasim (myrtle), aravot (willow), and etrog (citron). This practice is performed daily during prayers, often at synagogue, and holds deep symbolic meaning.

The Four Species are waved in six directions—north, south, east, west, up, and down—representing the omnipresence of God. They also symbolize the unity of different kinds of people, reminding worshippers that everyone, regardless of their strengths or weaknesses, has a role in the community.

The act of holding and waving these plants is more than ritual—it’s a physical expression of faith, gratitude, and celebration. It encourages mindfulness, bringing participants fully into the present moment, connected to both tradition and nature.

⛪ Attend Services

Sukkot is a time for communal prayer and reflection. Synagogue services include special readings, psalms, and prayers that emphasize gratitude, joy, and the harvest. One highlight is the recitation of Hallel, a series of psalms praising God for life’s blessings.

Attending services fosters a sense of community and continuity, linking modern observers to centuries of Jewish tradition. The combination of prayer, ritual, and social gathering strengthens bonds, nurtures faith, and reinforces the holiday’s central themes of thankfulness and joy.

🤝 Invite Guests (Ushpizin)

One of the most heartwarming Sukkot traditions is Ushpizin, the symbolic invitation of biblical figures into the sukkah. Traditionally, families “welcome” guests like Abraham, Sarah, Moses, and David, honoring their example and presence in Jewish history.

Today, the spirit of Ushpizin extends to real-life hospitality. Families open their sukkahs to friends, neighbors, and even strangers, sharing meals, stories, and laughter. It’s a reminder that Sukkot is as much about community and connection as it is about personal reflection. Welcoming guests fosters generosity, strengthens social ties, and embodies the joy at the heart of the holiday.

✨ Bringing It All Together

Celebrating Sukkot is about more than building a hut or waving branches. It’s a holistic experience that engages all senses: the smell of fresh fruits and branches, the taste of festive meals, the feel of a sukkah’s walls and roof, the sound of prayers and laughter, and the sight of stars above.

From constructing a sukkah to inviting guests, from sharing meals to participating in ritual waving, Sukkot invites participants to live joyfully, give thanks, and connect with both history and community. It transforms ordinary routines into moments of reflection, gratitude, and celebration.

Whether you’re a seasoned observer or a first-time participant, embracing these Sukkot traditions allows you to step into a holiday rich in meaning, beauty, and shared joy.

🌍 Sukkot Around the World

Sukkot is celebrated by Jewish communities across the globe, and while the core traditions remain the same, each region adds its own cultural flavor and practices. From bustling streets in Israel to quiet synagogue courtyards in North America, the holiday is a vibrant reminder of faith, history, and community.

🇮🇱 In Israel

In Israel, Sukkot is a public holiday, and the entire country seems to come alive with celebration. Streets, parks, and even private yards are dotted with colorful sukkahs, often decorated with fruits, lights, and festive garlands. Traditional markets overflow with etrogim (citrons) and lulavim (palm branches), the essential items for the Four Species ritual.

Many Israelis take advantage of the week-long holiday to travel or go camping, blending the themes of Sukkot with a love of nature. Families often spend time outdoors, enjoying meals in sukkahs set up at parks or near scenic areas. The combination of community gatherings, outdoor living, and joyful celebration gives the holiday a uniquely festive atmosphere in its country of origin.

🇺🇸 & 🇨🇦 In North America

In the United States and Canada, Jewish communities observe Sukkot with both tradition and creativity. Synagogues often build communal sukkahs, inviting members who may not have space at home to participate in holiday meals and prayers. Jewish schools take the opportunity to engage children with hands-on activities, such as decorating miniature sukkahs, learning about the Four Species, and understanding the historical significance of the holiday.

The North American celebration emphasizes education, inclusivity, and family involvement, making Sukkot accessible to both observant and less religious families. Many communities also host public events, like festivals or workshops, to share the beauty of the holiday with neighbors and friends.

In Europe & Beyond

Across Europe and other regions, Sukkot has become a symbol of Jewish resilience and cultural pride. Even in areas where Jewish populations are smaller, families and synagogues construct sukkahs as a way of connecting with their heritage. Decorations, communal meals, and festivals often reflect a blend of local culture and traditional Jewish customs, demonstrating the adaptability and continuity of Sukkot through generations.

Whether in Israel, North America, or Europe, the universal spirit of Sukkot shines through: a celebration of faith, gratitude, nature, and togetherness. No matter where it is observed, the holiday reminds people of the importance of home, community, and the joy of life’s blessings.

🍴 Foods of Sukkot

Unlike Passover, there are no restrictions on what you can eat during Sukkot. Instead, food is about abundance and creativity.

Common dishes include:

• Stuffed vegetables – symbolizing plenty.
• Warm stews and soups – comforting for autumn nights.
• Round challah bread – reflecting cycles of life.
• Fruit-based dishes – especially pomegranates, apples, figs, and grapes.

Families from different backgrounds (Ashkenazi, Sephardic, Mizrahi) add their own unique flavors.

💡 Modern Ways to Celebrate

Even if you don’t follow every tradition, there are plenty of ways to embrace the spirit of Sukkot:

• Host a backyard meal with friends under the stars.
• Decorate with autumn produce as a reminder of harvest.
• Take time each day to write down something you’re grateful for.
• Teach kids about impermanence by making temporary forts.
• Support local farmers or food banks in honor of the harvest theme.

🤗 How Non-Jews Can Participate

If you’re not Jewish but want to join in respectfully:

• Accept an invitation to dine in a sukkah.
• Learn about the holiday’s history and share its themes of gratitude.
• Use greetings like “Chag Sameach” (Happy Holiday) to wish Jewish friends well.
• Reflect on your own “harvest”—the blessings you’ve gathered this year.

🌟 Lessons of Sukkot for Everyone

At its heart, Sukkot isn’t only for Jews. Its messages are universal:

• Life is fragile. Like a sukkah, our lives are temporary—so we should cherish every moment.
• Gratitude transforms us. Sukkot teaches us to pause and give thanks.
• Community matters. Eating, praying, and celebrating together builds bonds.
• Joy is essential. After Yom Kippur’s seriousness, Sukkot reminds us to embrace happiness.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

How long does Sukkot last?
➡️ Seven days in Israel; eight in the diaspora.

Do people work on Sukkot?
➡️ The first and last days are holy days (no work, like Shabbat). The intermediate days (Chol Hamoed) allow work but are still festive.

What do you say to someone on Sukkot?
➡️ “Chag Sameach” (Happy Holiday) or “Moadim L’simcha” (Times of Joy).

Is Sukkot like Thanksgiving?
➡️ In some ways, yes—it’s about gratitude and harvest. But it also carries deep biblical meaning.

🌿 Final Thoughts

Sukkot is more than a holiday—it’s a way of living. For one week each fall, Jewish families step outside their homes, reconnect with history, embrace nature, and focus on joy and gratitude.

Whether you build a sukkah, join a friend for a meal, or simply pause to reflect, Sukkot reminds us:

👉 Life is fragile.
👉 Gratitude makes it meaningful.
👉 Joy keeps us alive.

So this season, may your days be filled with thankfulness, your nights with laughter under the stars, and your heart with joy.

Chag Sameach—Happy Sukkot! 🌿🍋🏠