As the Jewish festival of Harvest, Sukkot could be compared to the American ‘Thanksgiving holiday. There are three Pilgim Festivals in the Jewish calendar, of which Sukkot is one, the other two being Pesack and Shavuot. At this time, pilgramage is made to the temple with offerings.

The holiday lasts nine days, it is widely regarded as the most important festival in the Jewish calendar. Sukkot is celebrated on the 5th day of Yom Kippur, and marks a change in the tone of celebrations from the more sobre Yom Kippur.

The festival commemorates the time, as noted in Leviticus 23, when the Hebrew people were left to wander in the wilderneess. According to the scripture, a Sukka or temporary structure was built as shelter. As a mark of respect, many Jews build their own Sukkas at this time.This often takes the shape of a temporary hut or shelter errected in back gardens.

One more tradition that’s observed is the binding together of branches. 6 Branches are bound together in accordance with Leviticus 23:40 which states:

“On the first day, you will take for yourselves a fruid of a beautiful tree, palm branches, twigs of a braided tree and brook willows.”

The bundle therefore consists of a palm branch, two willow branches and three myrtle branches. The bundle of branches is then taken and waved in six directions. These represent God’s presence in all six corners of the world.

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