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Prague · 28 Cheshvan 5787

Shabbat this week · 16:02–17:11

Holiday guide

How to celebrate Sukkot

From building the sukkah to Hoshana Rabbah. A basic and a traditional option for each step.

This guide describes common practice; details vary by community and level of observance. For practical halakhic questions, consult the rabbi of your community.

  1. Step 1 of 4· Between Yom Kippur and 15 Tishrei

    Building the sukkah

    Halakhah

    The sukkah stands under the open sky (not under a tree or an overhanging roof), has at least three walls and a roof of branches, reeds or bamboo. The sky should be visible through the roof, but shade should predominate.1

    Basic practice

    Build a simple sukkah on a balcony or in a garden, or use the community sukkah.

    Traditional practice

    Start building right after Yom Kippur, follow the dimensions and rules for sekhakh, decorate the sukkah; the decorations are not taken down during the festival.

  2. Step 2 of 4· Every morning of the festival except Shabbat

    The four species

    Halakhah

    The lulav with the myrtles and willows in the right hand, the etrog in the left (the reverse for left-handed people), the blessing and waving in six directions.2

    Basic practice

    Take the four species at the community or at friends’, say the blessing and wave them.

    Traditional practice

    Your own set with a flawless etrog (*mehudar*), daily during Hallel and Hoshanot; the first time with Shehecheyanu.

  3. Step 3 of 4· Throughout the festival

    Meals in the sukkah

    Halakhah

    On the first evening, kiddush and bread in the sukkah; throughout the festival the main meals are eaten in it with the blessing leishev ba-sukkah. Family and friends are invited, and in some communities the ushpizin.3

    Basic practice

    At least one festive meal in the sukkah with friends.

    Traditional practice

    All meals with bread in the sukkah, in Israel also sleeping there; inviting the ushpizin, study in the sukkah.

  4. Step 4 of 4· 21 Tishrei (day 7)

    Hoshana Rabbah

    Minhag

    The morning prayer with seven circuits with the lulav and the beating of a bundle of willow branches. Many stay up the previous night studying (tikkun leil Hoshana Rabbah).4

    Basic practice

    Attend the morning service and the circuits at the community.

    Traditional practice

    Night study (Deuteronomy, Psalms), seven hakafot, *chibbut aravot*; in the evening Shemini Atzeret begins.

Sources

Sukkot