Sukkot History

Sukkot, also known as the Feast of Tabernacles or Festival of Booths, is a significant Jewish holiday that commemorates the Israelites' 40-year journey through the desert after their exodus from Egypt. It also celebrates the autumn harvest, embodying themes of gratitude and joy. A central observance is the construction and dwelling in a temporary hut called a 'sukkah,' which is typically adorned with natural materials. Another key tradition involves the taking and waving of the 'Four Kinds'—an etrog (citron), a lulav (palm frond), and branches of myrtle and willow.

The historical roots of Sukkot are found in the Torah, where God commanded the Israelites to dwell in booths to remember His protection during their desert wandering and to celebrate the harvest. In Canada, Sukkot is observed by Jewish communities as a time to reflect on these historical themes and connect with nature and community. Recent observances have increasingly highlighted themes of hospitality and togetherness, even in adapting traditions to current circumstances.

In Canada, Sukkot is observed with families building and decorating sukkahs, often in their backyards or on balconies. Many Jewish Canadians will eat meals, and some may even sleep, in their sukkah. The 'Four Kinds' are also used in observance, and community gatherings in sukkahs are common, fostering a sense of togetherness. While not a nationwide public holiday, many Jewish businesses and schools may close or reduce services. Sukkot typically begins on the 15th day of the Jewish month of Tishrei. For example, in 2026, the first day of Sukkot falls on September 26th.

Top 10 Facts for 2026 Sukkot (Begins) in Canada

• The 2026 observance of Sukkot in Canada begins at sundown on Friday, September 25, marking the start of a period characterized by the building and use of temporary outdoor structures known as sukkahs.
• Throughout the 2026 holiday, Canadian communities will observe the Chol HaMoed or 'intermediate days' from September 28 through October 1, during which traditional work restrictions are relaxed to allow for family outings and celebrations.
• The festival is commonly referred to as the 'Feast of Tabernacles' or 'Feast of Booths' and is recognized as one of the three major Pilgrimage Festivals in the Jewish tradition.
• A central custom during the holiday involves dwelling in a sukkah, a temporary booth with a roof made of organic materials, which serves to commemorate the 40-year journey of the Israelites in the desert following their exodus from Egypt.
• Participants often engage in the ritual of waving the 'Four Kinds' or Arba'at Haminim—a collection consisting of a lulav (date palm frond), hadassim (myrtle branches), aravot (willow branches), and an etrog (citron)—as an expression of unity and gratitude.
• The holiday is frequently called 'the time of our happiness,' shifting the mood from the introspection of the preceding High Holidays to a spirit of joy, hospitality, and communal celebration.
• Many families follow the tradition of ushpizin, a practice that involves symbolically inviting spiritual guests into the sukkah to share in the festive atmosphere.
• Because the sukkah is intended to be a temporary structure open to the elements, it serves as a meaningful reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of relying on faith rather than material possessions.
• Unlike many other Jewish holidays, there are no specific mandated dishes for Sukkot, allowing families to celebrate with a diverse range of harvest-inspired foods, such as stuffed vegetables, seasonal fruits, and honey-sweetened challah.
• In the Diaspora, including Canada, the holiday is often observed for seven days, with the first two days (or one, depending on tradition) involving stricter observances similar to the Sabbath, where certain types of work are forbidden.

In the News and Trending in Canada for Sukkot

Top things to do in Canada 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.
• Since Sukkot is an agricultural holiday, it's an excellent time to visit a farmer's market and enjoy fresh, locally grown produce. This can also be a great opportunity to purchase seasonal fruits and vegetables to include in your Sukkot meals.
• Invite family and friends over to celebrate Sukkot by sharing a festive meal in a sukkah. Traditional Sukkot foods include stuffed vegetables, soups, and dishes that incorporate the harvest's bounty.