URJ - Sukkot

When does Sukkot occur? View the Calendar of Jewish Holidays

Sukkot, a Hebrew word meaning "booths" or "huts", refers to the Jewish festival of giving thanks for the fall harvest, as well as the commemoration of the forty years of Jewish wandering in the desert after Sinai. Sukkot is celebrated five days after Yom Kippur on the 15th of Tishrei, and is marked by several distinct traditions. One tradition, which takes the commandment to "dwell in booths" literally, is to build a sukkah, a booth or hut. A sukkah is often erected by Jews during this festival, and it is common practice for some to eat and even live in these temporary dwellings during Sukkot. Read more about the history and customs of Sukkot.

Sukkot in Your Home

Esrog Blessings for Sukkot

The Jewish Parent Page and Holiday Happenings
Great ideas for celebrating Sukkot for families with young children.

Family Table Talk - A guided conversation using the scroll of Ecclesiaties (Kohelet), about 'making the most of life.'

What's Cooking? A Savory Sukkot - Recipes symbolizing the abundance of the holiday harvest, by Tina Wasserman.

How to Build a Sukkah: Instructions for the do-it-yourselfer - Follow these instructions for a homemade Sukkah.

E-cards - Wish loved ones a “Happy Sukkot”.

Sukkot at Your Synagogue

Reaching for Holiness -the 2000, 2003 and 2003 study guides include readings and programs for Sukkot.

Make Sukkot a Truly 'Green' Holiday (PDF) - ARZA resources for an eco-Zionist Sukkot celebration

Sukkot: A Season of Gathering and Giving -Social action guide focusing on the themes of housing, the environment and welcoming the stranger.

The Art of Cantillation 2: Chanting Haftarot and M'gillot - Learn to chant the scroll of Ecclesiastes (Kohelet), pp. 91-93.

Family Education in Small Congregations (PDF) - a Sukkot program including worship and discussion.

Communicate! - Extensive program bank for your congregation.

Celebrate Sukkot by Saving Lives
Ushpizin: Welcoming Guests
into Your Sukkah
Sukkot tradition encourages families to ‘invite’ symbolic guests to be part of their Sukkot celebration. This invitation also extends to the needy, reminding us that as we celebrate, we must also remember our duty to serve those less fortunate.

This year, consider extending a symbolic invitation to a family in Africa; a family who lives in village where malaria has deathly impacts on their youth. Your family can provide a safe sleeping space and a protective barrier for another. Invite this family into your sukkat shalom by starting an advocacy and fundraising campaign for Nothing But Nets. Your sukkah can make a world of difference. Learn more >