Monday, October 6-Monday, October 13

WHAT TO EXPECT:

Sukkot, often called the “Festival of Booths,” is a joyful celebration that invites us to step outside our homes and into temporary shelters, or sukkot, as a reminder of our ancestors' journey through the wilderness. At its heart, Sukkot is a holiday of hospitality and community—an opportunity to gather with others under the open sky, share meals, and connect in gratitude for the abundance in our lives. The sukkah becomes a sacred space where stories are told, laughter is shared, and bonds are strengthened, reminding us that true shelter is found not just in structures, but in the warmth of community.

IMPORTANT RITUALS:

Dwelling in the Sukkah: The sukkah, a temporary outdoor structure with a roof made of natural materials (called sekhakh) like branches or palm fronds. It commemorates the Israelites’ journey through the desert and reminds us of life’s fragility and the importance of faith, gratitude, and hospitality. It is customary to eat meals in the sukkah, and we invite our community to spend some time in ours throughout the week.

The Four Species: A ritual involving four types of plants: the etrog (citron), lulav (palm frond), hadasim (myrtle branches), and aravot (willow branches). These symbolize unity and a connection to the natural world. Each day (except Shabbat), the four species are waved in six directions (north, south, east, west, up, and down) during prayers to acknowledge God’s presence everywhere.