Sukkot

Sukkot History

Sukkot, also known as the Feast of Tabernacles, is a significant Jewish holiday that commemorates the Israelites' exodus from Egypt and their subsequent 40 years spent wandering in the desert. This seven-day festival is marked by the construction of temporary structures called sukkahs, which symbolise the temporary dwellings Israelites lived in during their journey. An essential aspect of this observance includes the bringing together of the "Four Species" – a citron, a palm frond, myrtle branches, and willow branches – which are waved together during special prayers, symbolising unity among the Jewish people.

Historically, Sukkot has its roots in ancient Israel, where it was an agricultural festival celebrating the culmination of the harvest season. The festival's agricultural origins can be linked to Australian Jews, as the holiday emphasises themes of gratitude and thanksgiving for bountiful harvests. As sukkahs are prominent in the southern hemisphere during October, it serves a reminder to appreciate the cycle of nature, and to acknowledge the importance of sustainable farming practices.

In Australia, Jewish communities observe Sukkot by attending synagogue services, where they recite the Hallel prayer and bless the "Four Species." Family and friends gather to dine in elaborately decorated sukkahs and participate in customs such as the ushpizin, an ancient tradition of inviting symbolic biblical guests to share the sukkah. Australian Jewish communities may also organise local cultural events and educational workshops during this period. Sukkot is observed in Australia according to the Hebrew calendar, commencing on the 15th day of Tishrei, usually falling between late September and late October.

Sukkot facts

• Sukkot is also a harvest festival. It is sometimes referred to as Chag Ha-Asif, the Festival of Ingathering. No work is permitted on the first day. However, some work is allowed on the intermediate days which are known as Chol Hamoed.
• Each day of Succot is associated with Ushpezin (visitors), one of seven Succah visitors. Each day has its visitor, starting with Abraham. The other visitors are: Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Aaron, David and Solomon.
• The seventh day of Sukkot is a special day known as Hoshanah Rabbah. It is considered the last day on which the divine judgment initiated on Rosh Hashanah can be altered or reversed. Traditional practices include a special synagogue service and beating willow branches on the ground.
• The Jewish community in Australia dates back to the British settlement of the continent in the late 18th century. The first Sukkot celebrations in Australia were likely modest and limited to individual families, as the Jewish population at the time was small and scattered.
• Sukkot commemorates the 40 years of wandering in the desert by the Israelites, during which they lived in temporary shelters called sukkahs. It serves as a reminder of the hardships faced by the Israelites, as well as God's protection and guidance during this time.

In the News and Trending in Australia for Sukkot

Top things to do in Australia for Sukkot

• Purchase or make your own Sukkah. They are typically designed to be assembled and disassembled quickly - in less than two hours by two people.
• One can buy the four kinds (of material used to build Sukkot as per the Torah) or order them from Israel. The four kinds include palm branches, an Etrog (citron), three willow branches and two myrtle branches. The palm, myrtle and willow are bound together in a palm holder.
• A visit to Kosher food stores and restaurants can help you find traditional Sukkot food items and ingredients to prepare your own holiday meals.
• Sukkot is about celebrating the harvest, nature, and outdoor living. Australians can enjoy outdoor activities such as camping, barbeques, picnics, or hikes with friends and family during the holiday, while keeping the Sukkot themes in mind.