Sukkot 2024: Why Do Jews Build a Hut? Uncover the Tradition!

Sukkot, or the Feast of Tabernacles, is a Jewish celebration that occurs five days after Yom Kippur and lasts for one week. It commemorates the Israelites’ wandering in the desert after their exodus from Egypt, as well as the harvest season. During this festival, practitioners construct a booth where they take their meals. Here’s an exploration of the explanations, rites, and traditions of this religious festival.

What are the dates for Sukkot in 2024?

In the Hebrew calendar, Sukkot takes place from the 15th to the 21st of the month of Tishrei. This year, Sukkot begins on the evening of Wednesday, October 16 and ends on October 23, 2024.

What is the origin of Sukkot?

Sukkot is celebrated, on one hand, to honor the last harvest of the year and, on the other, to commemorate the divine protection provided to the children of Israel during their 40 years wandering in the Sinai desert after leaving Egypt until their arrival in the Promised Land. Thus, Sukkot has both an agricultural and commemorative symbolism. During their four decades in the desert, the Jews lived in tents and booths and relied solely on God for support, including the providential manna.

Why do we eat under a booth?

Booths are a significant symbol during Sukkot. To perpetuate the tradition of nomadism and precariousness, Jews are encouraged to eat their meals (and possibly spend the night for seven days) in booths they construct specifically right after Yom Kippur and before the festival begins. The booth, known as a Sukkah, is made from branches and foliage and decorated with various religious symbols. Seasonal vegetables (squashes, pumpkins…) and fruits are hung from the ceiling, and drawings may adorn the walls of this hut. Children are never short of ideas to decorate their sukkah. While it is covered with a roof (made simply from leaves and branches), the Sukkah does not have a door. This feature is primarily a sign of openness: here, everyone is welcome.

What does Sukkot mean in Hebrew?

Sukkot derives from the Hebrew sukkah which means “booth” or “hut.”

Etrog, Lulav, Hadass, and Aravah… What is the “Ritual of the Four Species”?

The “Four Species” ritual is an integral part of the Sukkot festival. Each day, the faithful take willow, myrtle, date palm, and citron in hand and wave them towards the four cardinal directions, up and down, while reciting a blessing. This custom aims to unite the Jewish people, regardless of their level of belief or religious practice, to form a single entity.

What is another name for the Feast of Sukkot?

Like Yom Kippur, also called the “Day of Atonement,” the Feast of Sukkot has several names obviously referring to the sukkah. It’s known as the famous “Feast of Booths” or the “Feast of Tabernacles.” It’s also called the “Feast of the Harvest” since it occurs during the autumn harvest.