As autumn settles in across much of the world, Jewish communities prepare for one of the most joyful and meaningful festivals of the year — Sukkot. Known as the Feast of Tabernacles or Feast of Booths, this weeklong holiday blends gratitude, nature, and community in beautiful harmony.
In 2025, Sukkot begins at sundown on Monday, October 13, and ends at sundown on Monday, October 20. During this time, families and communities around the world gather to remember the ancient Israelites’ journey through the wilderness — and to celebrate the blessings of harvest and shelter.
While deeply rooted in Jewish history and tradition, Sukkot’s message of thankfulness and unity speaks to people of all backgrounds. Whether you’re in Jerusalem, New York, Sydney, or Manila, the spirit of Sukkot is a reminder of how connection, humility, and nature can renew our sense of purpose.
🌾 What Is Sukkot?
Sukkot is one of the three major pilgrimage festivals in Judaism, alongside Passover and Shavuot. It commemorates the 40 years the Israelites spent in the desert after escaping slavery in Egypt. During that time, they lived in temporary shelters — or sukkot — relying on faith and divine protection.
The word “Sukkot” (סֻכּוֹת) literally means booths or huts in Hebrew. Today, Jewish families commemorate this by building their own sukkah, a temporary outdoor structure decorated with greenery, fruits, and lights. Many eat their meals, entertain guests, and even sleep inside the sukkah during the festival.
It’s both a historical remembrance and a celebration of the harvest season, making it a rare blend of religious devotion and joyful festivity.
🗓️ When Is Sukkot 2025?
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Start Date: At sundown on Monday, October 13, 2025
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End Date: At sundown on Monday, October 20, 2025
The first two days (October 13–15) are Yom Tov, observed as sacred days of rest and prayer. The middle days, known as Chol HaMoed, are semi-festive — work is permitted, but many still dedicate time to family and community gatherings.
Sukkot concludes with two important observances:
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Shemini Atzeret (October 20–21, 2025) — a day of reflection and prayer for rain in Israel and for spiritual renewal.
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Simchat Torah (October 21–22, 2025) — a joyful celebration marking the completion and restart of the annual Torah reading cycle.
🕊️ Global Customs and Traditions
1. Building and Decorating the Sukkah
Across the globe, from Tel Aviv to Toronto, families construct their sukkah in gardens, balconies, and rooftops. The roof (called s’chach) must allow starlight to shine through — symbolizing openness to the heavens.
Children often help decorate the sukkah with hanging fruits, paper chains, and drawings. In some communities, eco-friendly or reusable decorations are now encouraged, blending tradition with modern sustainability.
2. The Four Species (Arba Minim)
Sukkot also includes a ritual involving four plants:
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The etrog (citron)
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The lulav (palm branch)
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The hadassim (myrtle branches)
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The aravot (willow branches)
These are held together and waved in six directions — north, south, east, west, up, and down — signifying that the Divine presence extends everywhere.
3. Hospitality and Unity
Sukkot emphasizes hachnasat orchim — the welcoming of guests. Many invite friends, neighbors, or strangers into their sukkah, symbolizing inclusivity and kindness.
In diverse cities like London, Los Angeles, and Buenos Aires, interfaith gatherings are also held to share meals, music, and gratitude, reflecting how Sukkot’s themes resonate far beyond the Jewish community.
🌍 Why Sukkot Matters Today
In a fast-paced, tech-driven world, Sukkot reminds us of the importance of simplicity and gratitude. Sitting beneath palm branches or bamboo roofs, surrounded by nature, one is reminded that security and comfort are fleeting — and that true peace often lies in faith, family, and community.
For non-Jewish readers, Sukkot can inspire practices of mindfulness and sustainable living. The temporary sukkah, built from natural materials, mirrors humanity’s delicate relationship with the environment — a message that transcends religions and borders.
❓ FAQs About Sukkot 2025
1. What do you do during Sukkot?
People eat, gather, and sometimes sleep in the sukkah, perform prayers, and wave the Four Species during morning services.
2. Is Sukkot a public holiday?
In Israel, yes — many businesses close. In other countries, it’s mainly observed by Jewish communities.
3. Can non-Jews visit a sukkah?
Absolutely! Many Jewish families and synagogues welcome guests of all backgrounds to experience the warmth and symbolism of the festival.
4. How is Sukkot different from Passover?
While Passover celebrates freedom from slavery, Sukkot focuses on the journey afterward — the gratitude for shelter, harvest, and divine guidance.
🌟 Conclusion: A Celebration of Gratitude Beyond Borders
Sukkot 2025 is more than a date on the calendar — it’s a timeless reminder of gratitude, resilience, and shared humanity. Whether you’re joining a friend for a meal in their sukkah, reading about the tradition online, or reflecting on the harvest season in your own way, Sukkot’s message is universal: joy comes not from permanence, but from connection and faith.