Sukkot

Sukkot begins on the 14th of Tishri, which this year is at sundown on Friday, October 2, 2009.

Sukkot is one of the three pilgrimage Biblical festivals, during which Jews in ancient times traveled to Jerusalem to celebrate. It is also known as the Festival of Booths or Tabernacles. See Leviticus 23:41-42.

The word “sukkot” means “booths” (singular is “sukkah”), hence the name of the holiday. Prior to the beginning of Sukkot, Jews build a sukkah. Sukkot is a week-long holiday during which observant Jews eat and sleep within the sukkah. The holiday serves as a reminder of G~d providing shelter to the Israelites who were wandering in the desert following the Exodus from Egypt.

The sukkah must have at least three sides and a roof that is open to the sky. Stars must be visible from inside the sukkah at night, but must be covered enough to provide shade during the day. The sukkah is also generally decorated with harvest fruits and vegetables.

The festival of Sukkot is also marked by the four species ~ the etrog, which is a citrus; the hadassah, or myrtle branches; the lulav, or palm branch; and the aravot, willow branches. These items are held while special prayers and blessings are recited.

On the seventh day of Sukkot, Jews observe the Hoshanah Rabba. This is considered the last possible on which one can seek and obtain forgiveness for the sins of the previous year.

The Kabbalists of the middle ages began a custom, now associated with Sukkot, to invite a guest into the sukkah. These special guests represent Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Aaron, and King David. These guests are referred to in Hebrew as the Ushpizin.

There is a modern Israeli film called Ushpizin, which takes place in the Mea Shearim section of Jerusalem. A young orthodox couple are celebrating the holiday when two former friends of the husband appear. Prior to being married, the husband hung out with a rather wild crowd; his friends still live this life. In keeping with the spirit of Sukkot, however, the couple invites the friends to stay with them. It is a touching movie with more than a little levity that represents this joyous holiday.