https://staging.thenewjew.org/articles/holidays-shalosh-regalim-sukkot.xml/articles/holidays-shalosh-regalim-sukkotxmlarticleSukkotFestival of Booths — seven days of dwelling in the sukkah and waving the four species, commemorating the Israelites' wandering.The New Jew/index.xmlSacred Time/sections/sacred-time.xmlSukkot/articles/holidays-shalosh-regalim-sukkot.xml
https://staging.thenewjew.org/articles/holidays-shalosh-regalim-sukkot
https://staging.thenewjew.org/articles/holidays-shalosh-regalim-sukkot.json
<_xml>https://staging.thenewjew.org/articles/holidays-shalosh-regalim-sukkot.xml
holidays-shalosh-regalim-sukkotSukkotFestival of Booths — seven days of dwelling in the sukkah and waving the four species, commemorating the Israelites' wandering.Summary. Sukkot, the 15th–21st of Tishrei, is the third of the Shalosh Regalim (pilgrimage festivals). The Torah commands the dwelling in sukkot (Vayikra 23:42–43) to commemorate the Israelites' wilderness wandering, and the taking of the four species (Vayikra 23:40). The mood is one of zeman simchateinu — "the season of our joy." Seven days in Israel; eight in the diaspora (with the eighth, Shemini Atzeret, technically a separate festival). The sukkah and the four species are treated in detail in the Going Deeper chapter.essentialholidayssukkotfestivalbooth2026-07-06T02:19:03.001Z5663sacred-timeSacred Timesummary
Summary. [Sukkot](/glossary.xml#letter-S), the 15th–21st of [Tishrei](/glossary.xml#letter-T), is the third of the [Shalosh Regalim](/glossary.xml#letter-S) (pilgrimage festivals). The [Torah](/glossary.xml#letter-T) commands the dwelling in sukkot ([Vayikra 23:42–43](https://www.sefaria.org/Leviticus.23.42-43)) to commemorate the Israelites' wilderness wandering, and the taking of the four species ([Vayikra 23:40](https://www.sefaria.org/Leviticus.23.40)). The mood is one of [zeman simchateinu](/glossary.xml#letter-Z) — "the season of our joy." Seven days in Israel; eight in the diaspora (with the eighth, [Shemini Atzeret](/glossary.xml#letter-S), technically a separate festival). The [sukkah](/glossary.xml#letter-S) and the four species are treated in detail in the Going Deeper chapter.
Summary. Sukkot, the 15th–21st of Tishrei, is the third of the Shalosh Regalim (pilgrimage festivals). The Torah commands the dwelling in sukkot (Vayikra 23:42–43) to commemorate the Israelites' wilderness wandering, and the taking of the four species (Vayikra 23:40). The mood is one of zeman simchateinu — "the season of our joy." Seven days in Israel; eight in the diaspora (with the eighth, Shemini Atzeret, technically a separate festival). The sukkah and the four species are treated in detail in the Going Deeper chapter.heading
The Four Pillars of Sukkot
The Four Pillars of Sukkotparagraph
Sukkah — the temporary dwelling. See the Deeper Judaica article in this Field Guide.
Sukkah — the temporary dwelling. See the Deeper Judaica article in this Field Guide.paragraph
The four species — [lulav](/glossary.xml#letter-L), [etrog](/glossary.xml#letter-E), [hadasim](/glossary.xml#letter-H), [aravot](/glossary.xml#letter-A). See the Deeper Judaica article.
The four species — lulav, etrog, hadasim, aravot. See the Deeper Judaica article.paragraph
[Simchah](/glossary.xml#letter-S) — the explicit Torah commandment to "rejoice in your festival" ([Devarim 16:14](https://www.sefaria.org/Deuteronomy.16.14)). [The Mishnah (Sukkah 4:9–5:4)](https://www.sefaria.org/Mishnah_Sukkah.4.9-5.4) describes the [Simchat Beit HaShoeva](/glossary.xml#letter-S), the water-drawing ceremony in the [Beit HaMikdash](/glossary.xml#letter-B), said to have been the most joyful celebration of the year.
Simchah — the explicit Torah commandment to "rejoice in your festival" (Devarim 16:14). The Mishnah (Sukkah 4:9–5:4) describes the Simchat Beit HaShoeva, the water-drawing ceremony in the Beit HaMikdash, said to have been the most joyful celebration of the year.paragraph
[Hoshanot](/glossary.xml#letter-H) — the daily processions around the [bimah](/glossary.xml#letter-B), with the four species, reciting hoshana petitions. On [Hoshana Rabbah](/glossary.xml#letter-H) (the seventh day of Sukkot), there are seven circuits and an additional liturgy.
Hoshanot — the daily processions around the bimah, with the four species, reciting hoshana petitions. On Hoshana Rabbah (the seventh day of Sukkot), there are seven circuits and an additional liturgy.heading
Chol HaMo'ed
Chol HaMo'edparagraph
The intermediate days of Sukkot (Tishrei 16–21 in Israel; 17–21 in the diaspora) are [Chol HaMo'ed](/glossary.xml#letter-C) ("the mundane of the festival"). They are neither [Yom Tov](/glossary.xml#letter-Y) (with the prohibitions on work) nor ordinary weekdays. Work is permitted in limited circumstances (where loss would result from not working); cooking and travel are permitted (in contrast to Yom Tov). The [mitzvot](/glossary.xml#letter-M) of sukkah and four species continue. Many Jewish schools and Israeli businesses close for the duration.
The intermediate days of Sukkot (Tishrei 16–21 in Israel; 17–21 in the diaspora) are Chol HaMo'ed ("the mundane of the festival"). They are neither Yom Tov (with the prohibitions on work) nor ordinary weekdays. Work is permitted in limited circumstances (where loss would result from not working); cooking and travel are permitted (in contrast to Yom Tov). The mitzvot of sukkah and four species continue. Many Jewish schools and Israeli businesses close for the duration.heading
Hoshana Rabbah
Hoshana Rabbahparagraph
The seventh day of Sukkot, Hoshana Rabbah (the "great hoshana"), is treated as a quasi-judgment day, the final sealing of the verdict that began on [Rosh Hashanah](/glossary.xml#letter-R) and was inscribed on [Yom Kippur](/glossary.xml#letter-Y). The morning service includes seven circuits around the bimah with the four species, the recitation of seven Hoshanot, and a striking custom: at the end of the service, each person beats a bundle of five willow branches on the floor, knocking off the leaves — a symbolic shedding of remaining sins.
The seventh day of Sukkot, Hoshana Rabbah (the "great hoshana"), is treated as a quasi-judgment day, the final sealing of the verdict that began on Rosh Hashanah and was inscribed on Yom Kippur. The morning service includes seven circuits around the bimah with the four species, the recitation of seven Hoshanot, and a striking custom: at the end of the service, each person beats a bundle of five willow branches on the floor, knocking off the leaves — a symbolic shedding of remaining sins.heading
Ushpizin
Ushpizinparagraph
The Aramaic for "guests." [The Zohar (Emor 103b)](https://www.sefaria.org/Zohar,_Emor) teaches that the seven shepherds — [Avraham](/glossary.xml#letter-A), Yitzchak, Yaakov, Moshe, Aharon, Yosef, and David — visit the sukkah each night in turn, one as the principal guest. Contemporary practice often adds the [imahot](/glossary.xml#letter-I) (the matriarchs and other female biblical figures): Sarah, Rivka, Rachel, Leah, Miriam, Devorah, [Ruth](/glossary.xml#letter-R) (or Esther, in some traditions). The principal Ushpiz/Ushpizah is invited verbally at the start of each evening's meal in the sukkah.
The Aramaic for "guests." The Zohar (Emor 103b) teaches that the seven shepherds — Avraham, Yitzchak, Yaakov, Moshe, Aharon, Yosef, and David — visit the sukkah each night in turn, one as the principal guest. Contemporary practice often adds the imahot (the matriarchs and other female biblical figures): Sarah, Rivka, Rachel, Leah, Miriam, Devorah, Ruth (or Esther, in some traditions). The principal Ushpiz/Ushpizah is invited verbally at the start of each evening's meal in the sukkah.heading
Where Denominations Diverge
Where Denominations Divergeparagraph
Universal observance. [Reform](/glossary.xml#letter-R) congregations have substantially recovered Sukkot in recent decades (a community sukkah is common). The two-day Yom Tov of the first day (in the diaspora) is observed in [Orthodox](/glossary.xml#letter-O) and Conservative; Reform observes one day. Hoshanot are observed in Orthodox and many Conservative congregations; many Reform congregations include shortened versions.
Universal observance. Reform congregations have substantially recovered Sukkot in recent decades (a community sukkah is common). The two-day Yom Tov of the first day (in the diaspora) is observed in Orthodox and Conservative; Reform observes one day. Hoshanot are observed in Orthodox and many Conservative congregations; many Reform congregations include shortened versions.heading
Sources
Sourcesparagraph
Torah: [Vayikra 23:33–43](https://www.sefaria.org/Leviticus.23.33-43); [Devarim 16:13–15](https://www.sefaria.org/Deuteronomy.16.13-15).
Torah: Vayikra 23:33–43; Devarim 16:13–15.paragraph
[Mishnah and Talmud Bavli, Sukkah](https://www.sefaria.org/Sukkah).
Mishnah and Talmud Bavli, Sukkah.paragraph
[Rambam, Mishneh Torah, Hilchot Sukkah; Hilchot Lulav](https://www.sefaria.org/Mishneh_Torah,_Shofar,_Sukkah_and_Lulav).
Rambam, Mishneh Torah, Hilchot Sukkah; Hilchot Lulav.paragraph
[Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim 625–669](https://www.sefaria.org/Shulchan_Arukh,_Orach_Chayim.625-669).
Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim 625–669.paragraph
[Chol HaMoed – The Intermediate Days](https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/4494/jewish/Intermediate-Days.htm) — Chabad.org.
Chol HaMoed – The Intermediate Days — Chabad.org.paragraph
[11 Facts You Should Know About Chol Hamoed, the Holidays' Intermediate Days](https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/6409467/jewish/11-Facts-You-Should-Know-About-Chol-Hamoed-the-Holidays-Intermediate-Days.htm) — Chabad.org.
11 Facts You Should Know About Chol Hamoed, the Holidays' Intermediate Days — Chabad.org.paragraph
[11 Hoshanah Rabbah Facts Every Jew Should Know](https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/6100410/jewish/11-Hoshanah-Rabbah-Facts-Every-Jew-Should-Know.htm) — Chabad.org.
11 Hoshanah Rabbah Facts Every Jew Should Know — Chabad.org.paragraph
[Ushpizot—Don't Forget the Female Sukkah Guests!](https://ravblog.ccarnet.org/2024/10/ushpizot-female-sukkah-guests-dalia-marx/) — CCAR.
Ushpizot—Don't Forget the Female Sukkah Guests! — CCAR.heading
Further Reading
Further Readingparagraph
[Yitz Greenberg](/glossary.xml#letter-R), The Jewish Way — Sukkot chapter.
Yitz Greenberg, The Jewish Way — Sukkot chapter.paragraph
Rabbi Eliyahu Kitov, The Book of Our Heritage — Sukkot section.
Rabbi Eliyahu Kitov, The Book of Our Heritage — Sukkot section.holidays-yamim-noraim-rosh-hashanahRosh Hashanah/articles/holidays-yamim-noraim-rosh-hashanah.xmlholidays-yamim-noraim-yom-kippurYom Kippur/articles/holidays-yamim-noraim-yom-kippur.xmlholidays-yom-tov-shemini-atzeret-and-simchat-torahShemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah/articles/holidays-yom-tov-shemini-atzeret-and-simchat-torah.xmlholidays-shalosh-regalim-pesachPesach/articles/holidays-shalosh-regalim-pesach.xmlcalendar-daf-yomi-a-page-a-dayDaf Yomi: A Page a Daydeeper/articles/calendar-daf-yomi-a-page-a-day.xmlholidays-fasts-the-four-minor-fastsThe Four Minor Fastsdeeper/articles/holidays-fasts-the-four-minor-fasts.xmlAvrahamאברהםAbrahamAvraham, the first patriarch, is revered in Jewish tradition as the founder of ethical monotheism and is honored as the spiritual father of every convert to Judaism; a new Jew by choice traditionally takes the Hebrew name "ben" or "bat Avraham."community-conversion-to-judaismBeit HaMikdashבֵּית הַמִּקְדָּשׁThe Holy Temple in Jerusalem — the First destroyed in 586 BCE, the Second in 70 CE. Much of Jewish prayer and practice remembers it and looks toward its restoration.Chol HaMo'edחוֹל הַמּוֹעֵדThe intermediate days of Pesach and Sukkot — 'the weekday of the festival' — when the holiday continues but most everyday work is permitted.Hoshana Rabbahהוֹשַׁעְנָא רַבָּהThe seventh day of Sukkot, marked by seven circuits with the four species and the beating of willow branches; tradition treats it as the final sealing of the High Holiday judgment.HoshanotהוֹשַׁעְנוֹתThe processional prayers of Sukkot — hoshana means "save, please" — recited while circling the synagogue with the four species in hand.Orthodox JudaismOrthodox Judaism holds Halacha as fully binding and the Shulchan Aruch as its canonical code; it spans Haredi and Hasidic communities as well as Modern Orthodoxy, and is the starting point from which this Field Guide is written, even as it engages seriously with other denominations.how-to-use-this-field-guideRabbi Yitz GreenbergRabbi Irving 'Yitz' Greenberg (b. 1933), a Modern Orthodox rabbi and Holocaust theologian known for the principle that no Jewish theological statement should be made that would not be credible in the presence of burning children; author of The Jewish Way.holidays-modern-observances-yom-hashoahReform JudaismReform Judaism treats Halacha as a source of values and meaning rather than binding law, emphasizing individual autonomy, ethical monotheism, and tikkun olam; it was the first movement to fully recognize patrilineal descent and ordain women as rabbis.how-to-use-this-field-guideRosh Hashanahרֹאשׁ הַשָּׁנָהThe Jewish New Year, observed on the 1st and 2nd of Tishrei with the sounding of the shofar; it opens the Ten Days of Repentance that culminate in Yom Kippur.holidays-yamim-noraim-rosh-hashanahRutרוּתThe book of Ruth — the Tanakh's story of the Moabite woman who joined the Jewish people; one of the Five Megillot, read on Shavuot.Shalosh Regalimשָׁלוֹשׁ רְגָלִיםThe three pilgrimage festivals — Pesach, Shavuot, and Sukkot — on which Israelites once traveled to the Temple in Jerusalem.Shemini Atzeretשְׁמִינִי עֲצֶרֶתThe 'eighth day of assembly' — the festival immediately following Sukkot, when the prayer for rain begins; in Israel it coincides with Simchat Torah.holidays-yom-tov-shemini-atzeret-and-simchat-torahSimchat Beit HaShoevaשמחת בית השואבהThe 'celebration of the water-drawing' — the exuberant nightly rejoicing held during Sukkot, recalling the Temple's water-libation festivities, which the Mishnah says outshone all other joy.SukkotסוכותThe autumn Festival of Booths, one of the three pilgrimage festivals — seven days of dwelling in the sukkah and waving the four species, in 'the season of our joy.'holidays-shalosh-regalim-sukkotTishreiתשריThe autumn month that opens the Jewish year, dense with holy days: Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Shemini Atzeret, and Simchat Torah.TorahתּוֹרָהThe Five Books of Moses — the scroll at the center of Jewish life — and, more broadly, the whole of Jewish teaching. 'Learning Torah' can mean anything from Chumash to Talmud.Yom Kippurיום כיפורThe Day of Atonement — the holiest day of the Jewish year, a 25-hour fast devoted to prayer, confession, and repair of one's relationships with God and with other people.holidays-yamim-noraim-yom-kippurYom Tovיום טובLiterally 'a good day' — a full festival day (such as the first days of Pesach and Sukkot, Shavuot, and Rosh Hashanah) on which work is restricted much as on Shabbat, with certain exceptions such as cooking.aravotעֲרָבוֹתWillow branches — two of which are bound together with the lulav as part of the four species taken on Sukkot.going-deeper-deeper-judaica-lulav-and-etrog-the-four-speciesbimahבִּימָהThe raised platform in the synagogue from which the Torah is read and, in many congregations, the service is led.etrogאֶתְרוֹגThe citron — the fragrant yellow fruit held together with the lulav as one of the four species of Sukkot. A fine etrog is chosen with the care of a jeweler.going-deeper-deeper-judaica-lulav-and-etrog-the-four-specieshadasimהֲדַסִּיםThe myrtle branches — three of them — bound together with the lulav as part of the four species taken on Sukkot.going-deeper-deeper-judaica-lulav-and-etrog-the-four-speciesimahotאִמָּהוֹתThe Matriarchs — Sarah, Rivkah, Rachel, and Leah; many communities now name them alongside the Patriarchs in the Amidah's opening blessing.lulavלוּלָבThe date-palm frond — tallest of the four species — bound with myrtle and willow and waved together with the etrog on Sukkot; the whole bundle takes its name.going-deeper-deeper-judaica-lulav-and-etrog-the-four-speciesmitzvahמִצְוָהA commandment — one of the Torah's 613 divine instructions, and by extension any religious duty or good deed. The plural is mitzvot.essentials-essential-facts-the-613-mitzvotsimchahשמחהJoy — and, by extension, a joyous occasion such as a wedding, brit, or bar or bat mitzvah. 'Celebrating a simchah' is a fixture of Jewish communal life.sukkahסוכהThe temporary booth, roofed with cut branches, in which Jews eat (and some sleep) during the seven days of Sukkot, recalling the Israelites' wilderness dwellings.going-deeper-deeper-judaica-sukkahzeman simchateinuזמן שמחתנו'The season of our joy' — the liturgy's name for Sukkot, the festival whose commanded mood is rejoicing.parentSacred Time/sections/sacred-time.xmlrelatedRosh Hashanah/articles/holidays-yamim-noraim-rosh-hashanah.xmlrelatedYom Kippur/articles/holidays-yamim-noraim-yom-kippur.xmlrelatedShemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah/articles/holidays-yom-tov-shemini-atzeret-and-simchat-torah.xmlrelatedPesach/articles/holidays-shalosh-regalim-pesach.xmlrelatedDaf Yomi: A Page a Day/articles/calendar-daf-yomi-a-page-a-day.xmlrelatedThe Four Minor Fasts/articles/holidays-fasts-the-four-minor-fasts.xml