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.
An award-winning, cinematic fable set in the orthodox Jewish world, Ushpizin follows a poor, childless, devout man and his wife who can't afford a sukkah. Unexpected Ushpizin, ‘guests’, challenge the stability of their world.
A blog containing accounts of people’s experiences during Sukkot.
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 >
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