Sukkot

Sukkot History

Sukkot, the Feast of Tabernacles, is a week-long Jewish festival commemorating the forty years the ancient Israelites wandered the desert and lived in temporary shelters. This joyous biblical holiday has historical significance and agricultural components, as it marks the end of the harvest season in Israel. It is one of the three major pilgrimage festivals in the Jewish calendar, alongside Passover and Shavuot, in which participating Jews are traditionally expected to journey to the Holy Temple in Jerusalem.

The origin of Sukkot can be traced back to the Torah, the Jewish written law, where it is mentioned as a time to rejoice with family and friends in the sukkah, a temporary hut topped with branches and often adorned with decorations such as fruits and flowers. Although Canada does not share the same agricultural traditions as Israel, the festival remains important for Canadian Jews to celebrate their faith and cultural heritage. Israeli-Canadian events such as the Jewish Israeli Film Festival and the Celebration of Israel have incorporated Sukkot in their programming, highlighting the continued significance of the holiday in Canada.

In Canada, observance of Sukkot typically involves building a sukkah at one's home or Synagogue and participating in festive meals, prayers, and other religious activities throughout the week. Some Canadian Jewish communities also hold gatherings or events in sukkahs during the holiday, allowing members to connect with their faith, history, and one another while celebrating the festival. Sukkot occurs in the autumn, generally falling in late September or early October depending on the Hebrew calendar's lunar cycle.

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.