Sukkot

When is Sukkot 2024?

Many Jewish associations in the United States commemorate the first day of Sukkot, the beginning of the Sukkot period. This time, also recognized as the Feast of Tabernacles, lasts for around seven days. It is a biblical Jewish holiday celebrated during the week starting on the 15th day of Tishri, the first month of the year, according to the Jewish calendar.

It is an agricultural celebration that was initially considered a thanksgiving for the fruit harvest. Jews lived in Sukkot that are hut-like structures, during the 40 years of wandering through the desert after the exodus from Egypt. As a temporary home, the Sukkah also represents the fact that all existence is fragile. Therefore, Sukkot is a chance to appreciate the shelter of our homes and our bodies.

How do People celebrate the first day of Sukkot?

Many American Jews construct a temporary hut known as Sukkha, where they sleep, eat, and use it for a Sukkot season, which continues for about seven days. The initial day of Sukkot observed as a Sabbath, so many Jewish people do not involve in regular work activities on this day. The rest of the days throughout the Sukkot period are the days when work is allowed.

Many Jews in the northeastern United States hang dry squash and corn to decorate the Sukkah. Sometimes, these vegetables are used for Halloween and Thanksgiving afterward. Many Jewish Americans are building and decorating a sukkah before Sukkot, and it is a fun activity for them. Jews also perform a religious duty, or mitzvah, known as waving four species of plants and chanting a blessing. This deed is usually done each day during Sukkot (except Sabbath).

Is First Day of Sukkot a Public Holiday?

The first day of Sukkot is not a national public holiday in the United States. Most companies, schools, businesses, banks, stores, and restaurants follow regular opening hours in the United States. However, several Jewish businesses, schools, and organizations may remain closed or reduced the timing of their service.

Facts related to Sukkot

• Sukkot is a harvest festival and is also known as Chag Ha-Asif, the Festival of Ingathering. On the first day of Sukkot, no work is allowed, but some work is permitted on intermediate days, known as Chol Hamoed.
• Each day of Sukkot is connected with Ushpezin (visitors), one of the seven Sukkah visitors. Each day has its visitors, beginning with Abraham. Other visitors of this day are Isaac, Aaron, Joseph, Moses, Solomon, Jacob, and David.
• During Sukkot, there is a particular priest (Cohen), who offered a blessing on the western wall. The Western Wall is the last surviving wall of the Holy Temple that borders the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. Thousands of priests considered descendants of the original priests, gather on the western wall, and offer blessings.

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