Sukkot History

Sukkot, the Festival of Booths, commemorates the Israelites' journey through the desert after their exodus from Egypt, emphasizing themes of divine protection and the harvest season. Central to its observance is the construction of a sukkah, a temporary dwelling with a roof of natural materials, through which one can see the stars. This structure serves as a reminder of the fragile shelters the Israelites inhabited and of God's providence. The holiday also involves the ritual taking and shaking of the Four Species: the etrog, lulav, hadass, and aravah, each symbolizing different aspects of creation and faith.

Historically, Sukkot is rooted in ancient Canaanite harvest festivals, evolving into a significant pilgrimage festival to the Temple in Jerusalem. In modern Israel, it is a time of national spirit, with communal events and public celebrations. For those in Israel, Sukkot signifies a transition from the dry summer to the approaching rainy season, and it is traditional to begin praying for rain during this time. Recent observances have seen a revival of the ancient Hakhel gathering, albeit on a smaller scale, highlighting the holiday's enduring connection to community and national identity.

In Israel, Sukkot is observed with great enthusiasm. Many people build sukkahs on their balconies, in their yards, or in public spaces, and families gather to share meals and spend time within these temporary structures. Throughout the seven days, Israelis engage in various customs, including the daily waving of the Four Species and festive meals. The intermediate days, known as Chol HaMoed, allow for work but continue the holiday's spirit with cultural events and gatherings. Sukkot typically begins on the 15th day of the Hebrew month of Tishrei. In 2026, Sukkot commences on the evening of Friday, September 25th, and concludes on the evening of Friday, October 2nd.

Top 10 Facts for 2026 Sukkot (Start) in Israel

• The upcoming 2026 observance of Sukkot in Israel will coincide with the two-year anniversary of the October 7th events, leading many communities to balance the holiday's inherent themes of joy with solemn reflection and remembrance.
• Often referred to as 'the Season of Our Rejoicing' (Zman Simchateynu), Sukkot serves as a primary period for communal gatherings, hospitality, and public celebrations throughout Israel.
• The festival is one of the three biblically mandated pilgrimage festivals, known as the Shalosh Regalim, during which ancient Israelites traveled to Jerusalem to celebrate at the Temple.
• Central to the observance is the construction and habitation of a sukkah, a temporary booth with a roof of natural materials like branches or bamboo, designed to leave the sky visible as a reminder of divine protection and human fragility.
• Participants perform a specific ritual using the 'Four Kinds' (Arba Minim): the lulav (palm branch), hadas (myrtle), aravah (willow), and etrog (citron), which are bound together and waved to symbolize unity and God's omnipresence.
• The intermediate days of the festival, known as Chol HaMoed, are a popular time for families in Israel to travel, hike, and enjoy outdoor festivities across the country.
• A traditional practice involves welcoming Ushpizin—symbolic, honored guests from Jewish history—into the sukkah each night to reinforce the week’s emphasis on hospitality and welcoming others.
• The holiday concludes with the 'Great Supplication' known as Hoshana Raba, which immediately precedes the combined celebration of Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah.
• In ancient times, the festival included the Simchat Beit Hashoevah (the Water-Drawing Ceremony), a ritual of profound joy described in the Mishnah as the height of celebration in Jerusalem.
• The prophetic vision found in the Book of Zechariah often features prominently in discussions regarding Sukkot, as it describes a future time when all nations will gather in Jerusalem to observe the festival.

In the News and Trending in Israel for Sukkot

Top things to do in Israel 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.
• During Sukkot, families take advantage of the pleasant weather and the school holidays to visit national parks, nature reserves, and historical sites around Israel.
• On the seventh day of Sukkot, many people attend special prayer services in synagogues and at the Western Wall, where they participate in the traditional ritual of beating willow branches on the ground.