Sukkot — the "Feast of Tabernacles" — is a seven-day Jewish festival commemorating the 40-year wilderness journey of the Israelites after the Exodus. Observed by building and dwelling in temporary outdoor huts (sukkot).
Originally an agricultural festival celebrating the autumn harvest. The biblical command to dwell in sukkot (Leviticus 23:42-43) commemorates the temporary shelters of the wilderness wandering.
Building a sukkah — a temporary outdoor hut with at least three walls and a covering of natural materials. Eating, studying, and (where weather permits) sleeping in the sukkah. Waving the Four Species (lulav and etrog — palm branch, willow, myrtle, citron) during prayer. Visiting friends' sukkahs ("Sukkah-hopping").
Stuffed vegetables symbolizing harvest. Hearty stews. Round challah remaining from High Holidays. Apple and honey carries over.
"Chag Sukkot Sameach" · "Chag Sameach"
First day is a full public holiday in Israel. The intermediate days (Chol HaMoed) are working days with reduced hours. The final day (Shemini Atzeret) and Simchat Torah end the season.