Succot
What Is Succot
Succot is a holiday rich in tradition and meaning. From the holding of the Lulav and Etrog to the sitting in a Succah, the holiday is filled with symbolism to express our relationship to G-d.Succot is celebrated five days after Yom Kippur and commemorates how protective ‘‘Clouds of Glory‘‘ surrounded the Jewish people after leaving Egypt during the forty years of wandering in the desert.
It commemorates how the Jews lived in temporary dwellings during that same time. Likewise we leave the safety and security of our houses and put ourselves for seven days under the direct protection of G-d Almighty in our Succah following the guidelines of Leviticus Chapter 23. A sukkah may be free-standing, or include one or two sides of a building or porch in its structure. The roof of a sukkah, however, must be of organic material that is detached from the ground.
Four Species of Succot
Leviticus 23:39-43 first presents the Mitzvah of the Four Species, arbaa minim, and then the Mitzvah of dwelling in the Sukkah and its symbolism. The four kinds are Etrog, Lulav -palm branch, Hadas - avot tree branch, Aravah - willows of the brook. A bracha is said on the four species everyday of Sukkot. The well-known mitzvah of Sukkot is that of taking the four Minim involved and all must be present to properly fulfill it.
While all mitzvot should be performed in the best manner possible, hiddur mitzvah, beautifying the mitzvah, especially applies to the Four Species.
In order to be able to choose the 4 minim properly a special market is being prepared before the holiday where many merchants bring their selection. This four species market, Shuk arbaat Haminim, is a real pleasure to wander through and see the various customers from all different congregations selecting a set of four species for themselves and their families.
TO SEE ONE OF OUR ETROG BOXES, PLEASE CLICK ON THE LINK.
see etrog box
Succot Guests
During each day of the holiday, Jews invite seven spiritual Ushpizin –aramaic for house guests, to be with them in the sukkah. Abraham, Isaac, Yacob, Moses,Aaron, joseph, and david.TREAT YOUR GUESTS TO SPECIAL SUKKOT FOOD. TO SEE OUR SPECIAL SUKKOT RECIPES PLEASE CLICK THE LINK.
Sukkot recipes
Simchat Torah
On the last day of Succot also called Shemini Atzeret we celebrate Simchat Torah, Hebrew for rejoicing in the Law. It celebrates the completion of the annual reading of the Torah. Simchat Torah is a joyous festival, in which we affirm our view of the Torah as a tree of life and demonstrate a living example of never-ending, lifelong study. Torah scrolls are taken from the ark and carried or danced around the synagogue or as in Israel on the streets.
Simchat Beit Hashoeva
Since the days of the Temple one of the most joyful celebrations in Israel was the Drawing of the Water during Sukkot. At that time, when sacrifices were offered in the Holy Temple, wine and oil were poured at the altar.
On Chol Hamoed, Intermediate days Sukkot there was also a special ceremony entailing the pouring of water. The water used for the ceremony was drawn the night before from the Shiloach spring and this was done with great festivity with a lot of singing and dancing. This was called Simchat Beit Hashoeva - the Joy of the Drawing.‘‘ Today‘s Simchat Beit Hashoeva is a commemoration of that one, and a fulfillment of the Mitzvah to rejoice on the holiday of Sukkot.
learn more
