Sukkot traces its roots to the many agricultural ceremonies enacted by the
ancient Hebrews, becoming a festival of thanks for a bountiful fall harvest and
one of three “pilgrimage festivals” during which a portion of the first fruits were brought to the Temple in Jerusalem.
Play Sukkot Mad-libs »
Download a list of books
about Sukkot available in
our Temple library »
View Rabbi Davidson’s brief video greeting for Sukkot »
Over the years, Sukkot was transformed by the Torah into a festival that celebrates and commemorates the protection afforded the Israelites throughout
their wanderings in the wilderness, as referenced
in Leviticus 23:42-43:
You shall dwell in booths seven days…that your generations may know
that I made the Israelites dwell in booths, when I brought them out of the Land of Egypt.
Consequently, the major symbol of Sukkot is the sukkah,
from the Hebrew word for “hut” or “booth.”
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