🌿 Sukkot Countdown
September 25, 2026
About Sukkot
Sukkot (the Feast of Tabernacles) is a week-long Jewish harvest festival that begins five days after Yom Kippur. It commemorates the 40 years the Israelites spent wandering in the desert after the Exodus. During Sukkot, Jews build and dwell in temporary outdoor structures called sukkot (booths), decorated with fruits and vegetables. The four species — etrog (citron), lulav (palm), hadass (myrtle), and aravah (willow) — are waved together each day of the holiday.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Sukkot?
Sukkot lasts seven days in Israel and eight days in the diaspora. The first day (two days outside Israel) is a full holiday with restrictions similar to Shabbat. The intermediate days (Chol HaMoed, days 2–6) are semi-festive with fewer restrictions. The holiday concludes with Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah.
What is the sukkah?
A sukkah is a temporary hut or booth built for the Sukkot holiday. It must have at least three walls and a roof (schach) made of plant material — branches, bamboo, or palm fronds — through which the stars should ideally be visible. The temporary, exposed nature of the sukkah is intentional: it recalls the impermanence of the desert shelters and the Israelites' reliance on divine protection.
What are the four species?
The four species (Arba Minim) are an etrog (a citron fruit), a lulav (palm branch), three hadassim (myrtle branches), and two aravot (willow branches). The lulav, myrtle, and willow are bound together and held in the right hand; the etrog in the left. They are waved together in all six directions (east, south, west, north, up, down) during morning prayers, symbolizing God's presence throughout all of creation.
What is Shemini Atzeret?
Shemini Atzeret (Eighth Day of Assembly) immediately follows the seven days of Sukkot. It is its own independent holiday, not technically part of Sukkot. In Israel, Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah are observed on the same day; in the diaspora they are observed on consecutive days. Shemini Atzeret includes the prayer for rain (Geshem), marking the beginning of the rainy season in Israel.