Sukkot

banner sukkot

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.

Sukkot at Congreation Emeth

Members of Emeth, assisted by Religious School students, decorate our permanent sukkah behind the synagogue before Sukkot. They also set up tables inside the sukkah so that members can dine there whenever they like during the eight-day festival. On the Friday night during Sukkot, Emeth members hold a potluck dinner. The potluck is followed by Erev Shabbat services. Rabbi Israel explains the festival and, with a cantorial soloist, leads members in celebration.Congregation Emeth’s  “potluck in the sukkah” is a wonderful celebration for all members of the congregation, particularly including young families.

8/3/18 EAM