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.

At Congregation Shalom, we have our own special Sukkot traditions. Every year, our Brotherhood builds a wonderful sukkah on the Temple grounds. On erev Sukkot, families gather together and decorate the sukkah with handmade creations. We then dine together in and around the sukkah before gathering in the sanctuary for our special service.