Sukkot - EYFS/Early Years activities, Displays and ideas

Wed 16th – Wed 23rd October 2024

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An overview of Sukkot

Sukkot is a Jewish festival, also known as the Feast of Tabernacles or Feast of Booths, that commemorates the 40 years the Israelites wandered in the desert after their exodus from Egypt. It is a harvest festival and a time of gratitude, focusing on both the historical journey of the Jewish people and the agricultural blessings of the present.

Significance of Sukkot

1. Commemoration of the Exodus: Sukkot recalls the period when the Israelites, led by Moses, lived in temporary shelters (sukkot) while traveling through the wilderness. These fragile dwellings represent the impermanence of life and remind the Jewish people of God’s protection and guidance during that time.

2. Harvest Festival: Sukkot is also known as the “Festival of Ingathering” as it coincides with the end of the agricultural year in Israel. It is a time to give thanks for the bountiful harvest and express gratitude for nature’s gifts.

Key Customs and Traditions

Building and Dwelling in the Sukkah:

• A sukkah is a temporary hut or booth, often built outdoors in yards, balconies, or synagogues. It has at least three walls and a roof made of natural materials like branches or leaves, called s’chach.

• The sukkah is designed to be a humble, temporary shelter, reminding people of the fragility of life and the protection provided by God.

• During Sukkot, Jewish families eat their meals in the sukkah, and some even sleep in it, fulfilling the commandment to “dwell in booths” as their ancestors did.

The Four Species (Arba Minim):

• Another important custom involves gathering and blessing the Four Species, as described in the Torah:

  • Etrog (a citrus fruit similar to a lemon)

  • Lulav (a palm branch)

  • Hadas (myrtle branches)

  • Aravah (willow branches)

• These species are held together and waved in all directions (north, south, east, west, up, and down) during prayers, symbolising God’s presence everywhere and the unity of the Jewish people.

Joyful Celebrations:

• Sukkot is considered a time of joy and celebration. The Torah commands the Jewish people to “rejoice before the Lord,” making Sukkot one of the most joyous festivals of the Jewish year.

• The final day of Sukkot is called Hoshana Rabbah, a day of special prayers for blessing and protection.

Simchat Torah:

• Following Sukkot is Simchat Torah, which celebrates the completion and restarting of the annual Torah reading cycle. It involves joyful singing, dancing, and processions with Torah scrolls.

Spiritual and Symbolic Themes

• Trust in God: Living in a temporary sukkah symbolises the trust and faith in God’s protection, rather than relying on material comforts and stability.

• Gratitude and Connection to Nature: As an agricultural festival, Sukkot emphasises appreciation for the land and the harvest, encouraging a deep connection to nature and gratitude for sustenance.

• Unity and Community: The act of gathering together in sukkot and celebrating with the Four Species symbolises the unity of the Jewish people, despite their diversity, and the importance of community.

Overall

Sukkot is a time of celebration, gratitude, and reflection. It combines historical commemoration with agricultural and spiritual themes, encouraging a connection to nature, to community, and to faith in God.

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