If you’ve ever peeked at a calendar and wondered, “What Jewish holiday is tomorrow?”, you’re not alone. With a lunar-based system and holidays that shift each year, it’s easy to lose track. But for many American Jews, interfaith families, educators, or simply the curious, knowing what lies ahead can be helpful—for planning, respect, or personal awareness.
So in this post, we’ll answer that question, dive into the history and meaning of the upcoming holiday, share how it’s observed today (especially in the U.S.), and include practical tips for non-Jewish friends, schools, workplaces, and local communities.
What Jewish Holiday Is Tomorrow?
As of today, the Jewish holiday that begins tomorrow (or the coming evening, depending on sundown) is Sukkot — specifically, the second day of Sukkot in many Jewish communities outside Israel.
Here’s how that works:
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Jewish holidays begin at sundown on the evening before the Gregorian date listed.
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According to Jewish calendars, tomorrow (counting from tonight) falls within the festival of Sukkot.
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In communities outside Israel, many observe an extra (“second”) day of biblical holidays, including Sukkot.
So yes — tomorrow is Sukkot (Day 2, in many U.S. and diaspora communities).
Background & Context
What Is Sukkot?
Sukkot (sometimes called the Feast of Booths or Feast of Tabernacles) is a week-long Jewish festival that follows Yom Kippur and is part of the autumn cycle of pilgrimage festivals in the Hebrew Bible.
Traditionally, it commemorates the forty years the Israelites wandered in the desert after the Exodus, during which they lived in temporary shelters. To remember that, Jews today build a sukkah (a booth or hut) and spend as much time as possible in it — eating, praying, even sleeping, weather permitting.
Another major ritual involves the Four Species (arba minim): the lulav (palm branch), etrog (citron), hadass (myrtle), and aravah (willow). Worshippers bound them together (except the etrog, which is held separately) and perform waving ceremonies during prayers.
In Israel, Sukkot is observed for seven days; in diaspora (e.g., U.S.), it is often observed for eight days (seven days plus an extra “Second Day”).
U.S. Context: Jewish Life & Calendar in America
In the U.S., Jewish communities are diverse — Reform, Conservative, Orthodox, Reconstructionist, secular — and practices around holidays can vary. But many congregations and community centers host public events during Sukkot (dinners in the sukkah, interfaith outreach, open sukkah visits).
Because many Jews in the U.S. balance work, school, and secular calendars, Sukkot is sometimes less visible than, say, Hanukkah or Passover. But you’ll find sukkahs in synagogue courtyards, community parks, campuses, and even private homes. Educational programs, “open sukkah” signs, and invitations for non-Jewish neighbors to visit are common.
Why Sukkot Matters — Especially for Americans
Spiritual & Social Renewal
After the intense introspection of the High Holy Days (Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur), Sukkot offers a shift toward joy, gratitude, and reconnecting with nature. It’s a reminder that stability is temporary, and dependence on God (or forces beyond ourselves) is real. That spiritual swing resonates especially in fast-paced American life.
Community, Hospitality & Inclusivity
Sukkot encourages welcoming others into your sukkah (literally “open house”) and sharing meals. In U.S. settings, Jewish institutions often host “community sukkah dinners,” inviting neighbors and interfaith friends to join. This can help with religious literacy, bridge-building, and mutual respect.
Jewish Visibility & Cultural Engagement
Because Sukkot is less well known in general American culture than holidays like Hanukkah, it offers an opportunity for Jewish Americans to increase visibility and for non-Jews to learn. A sukkah on a campus quad or in a public park can spark curiosity, conversations, and cultural exchange.
Calendar & School/Work Considerations
Though Sukkot is not a U.S. federal holiday, some Jewish students may miss school days or request accommodations. Some schools with Jewish populations provide awareness of “Jewish holidays calendar” so events, tests, or major meetings don’t conflict. Some workplaces with diversity initiatives may note Sukkot and offer flexible scheduling for observant employees.
What Happens on Day 2 of Sukkot (Tomorrow) — In Practice
Religious & Ritual Observances
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Continued dwelling in the Sukkah: Meals and gatherings again take place in the sukkah, when weather permits.
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Waving the Four Species: The mitzvah (commandment) continues each day of the festival in many communities.
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Festive prayer services: Jewish liturgy includes special verses of thanksgiving (Hallel), and communal services often have extra melodies.
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Joy & celebration: Sukkot is sometimes called “Zman Simchateinu” (“the season of our joy”) in Jewish texts.
U.S. Examples & Case Studies
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Several Jewish community centers in U.S. cities host “Open Sukkah Night” programs where all are welcome.
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Some urban congregations have built mobile sukkahs to bring the holiday into public spaces (parks, campuses, malls).
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On college campuses with Jewish student organizations, you’ll see sukkahs erected outdoors for meals, study, or social events.
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In neighborhoods with visible Jewish populations, neighbors may be invited to visit or share meals in sukkahs.
FAQs Americans Might Search
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is Sukkot a public holiday in the U.S.? | No — it’s a religious festival. Schools, courts, federal offices remain open, though individual institutions may adjust. |
| What if I’m not Jewish — can I visit a sukkah? | Absolutely! Many congregations welcome visitors to their sukkahs, especially on “open sukkah” nights. |
| Can weather cancel sukkah use? | Heavy rain or wind might restrict use; in those cases, some move meals indoors or under cover. |
| How do I spell “Sukkot”? | Variants include Sukkot, Succot, Sukkos; “Sukkot” is common in English transliteration. |
| What’s the difference between Sukkot in Israel vs. U.S.? | In Israel, the holiday is observed for seven days; in diaspora, often eight. Also, in Israel the extra day merges with other festivals like Shemini Atzeret. |
Conclusion & What You Can Do
So, tomorrow is Day 2 of Sukkot (in many Jewish communities outside Israel). Whether you are Jewish, interfaith, a neighbor, educator, or simply curious, here are some takeaways and suggestions:
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If you have Jewish friends or colleagues, a simple greeting like “Chag Sameach” (happy festival) or “Happy Sukkot” can go a long way.
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Visit a sukkah: If a local synagogue or community center has open sukkah hours, consider dropping by to learn.
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Respect observances: Be mindful that observant Jews might limit driving, work, or certain kinds of technology use during festival days.
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Use it as a teaching moment: If you’re in education or media, Sukkot is a chance to highlight religious diversity in American life.
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Plan ahead: For next year, check a Jewish holiday calendar early so events, tests, or major meetings don’t conflict.