Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles) begins on the 15th of Tishrei, the date of the first full moon after the autumn equinox. (September/October.) This year Sukkot began the evening of October 9th and lasts 8 days. During this “season of our rejoicing”, the Jewish people eat their meals in a tabernacle or booth, covered with branches but with the sky showing through in remembrance of the wanderings from Egypt to the Promised Land.

The Feast of Tabernacles is one of the three festivals appointed by God. People were to go up to Jerusalem to celebrate the feast in the Temple.

“Three times you shall keep a feast to Me in the year: You shall keep the Feast of Unleavened Bread… at the time appointed in the month of Abib… and the Feast of Harvest, the first fruits of your labours which you have sown in the field; and the Feast of Ingathering at the end of the year. Three times in the year all your males shall appear before the Lord GOD.” Exodus 23:14-16 (NKJV)

Being an observant Jew, Jesus celebrated this holiday:

“Now the Jews’ Feast of Tabernacles was at hand… Then the Jews sought him (Jesus) at the feast, and said, Where is he? … Now about the middle of the feast, Jesus went up into the temple and taught… On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.” John 7: 2,11,14,37-38 (NKJ)

The three pilgrim feasts – Pesach (Passover), Shavuot (Pentecost) and Sukkot (Tabernacles) have both historical and agricultural significance.

Because Sukkot occurred in the fall harvest, it was also observed as an agricultural event. Prayers for rain were also recited during this holiday.

In Israel, the first and last days are celebrated as full holidays (like a Shabbat). Schools are closed, and many families enjoy the holiday together by going on outings, visiting family or entertaining guests in their Sukkah.

Sukkot’s observance involves “dwelling” in the sukkah. The concept of thanksgiving for the harvest remains central, symbolized by the fruits (real or artificial) that decorate the sukkot (in Hebrew singular: sukkah, plural: sukkot).

Some say the American Pilgrim fathers were influenced by the Jewish observance of Sukkot, from which Thanksgiving Day came.

An important symbolic item of the Festival are the Four Species. These are held together and waved at different points in the religious services. The four species consist of a lulav (palm branch), etrog (citron), hadasim ( three myrtle twigs) and the aravot (two willow branches). Combined, these are called the Lulav*.

Bible Readings During Sukkot

The unabridged Hallel (Psalm 113-118) recited each morning.

Leviticus 22:26-23:44

Numbers 29:12-31

Zechariah 14:1-21

1 Kings 8:2-21

Exodus 33:12-34:26

Join Song For Israel as we celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles in Israel in September 2023. For tour on our Israel/Petra, Jordan tour, please click here.

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Sukkot – The Feast of Tabernacles