H O W   W E   C E L E B R A T E   S U K K O T "Sukkot" is the Hebrew word for "huts", and refers to the temporary homes that were used by the Jews in the wilderness thousands of years ago, after they were slaves in Egypt. We celebrate Sukkot as a reminder of our people's life in the desert. The Sukkah During the seven days of Sukkot, we spend time inside a Sukkah, which is temporary room we build to remind us of the dwellings our ancestors made during their time in the desert and once they were farmers in Israel. Eating, singing, and playing games with friends in the Sukkah are great ways to remember our Jewish ancestors' lifestyle and celebrations. Learn how to make a snack to eat in the Sukkah Make Your Own Sukkah! Create your own decorations for your Sukkah or a friend's. If you don't know anyone who has a Sukkah, contact your Rabbi. You definitely don't want to miss this experience! The Four Species The four species are four different kinds of growing things, which represent all growing things in the world. They are: lulav etrog willow branch myrtle branch We hold the Four Species when we recite special prayers of thanks to God during Sukkot. Ushpizin "Ushpizin" is an Aramaic word for guests. Seven of our ancestors - Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, Aaron, Joseph, and David, are believed to be our guests in our Sukkah - one each day - in the same way that Elijah visits us at the Passover Seder. Like the glass of wine left at the Seder table for Elijah, some people leave chairs in the Sukkah for the Ushpizin. Many people put Ushpizin plaques up in their Sukkah to be reminded of our ancestors. Pilgrim Festival/Water Celebration Sukkot is also one of our three pilgrim festivals, when we celebrate nature and agriculture. It was at this time of year, at the end of the farming season, that the farmers went to the Temple in Jerusalem to give thanks to God for their harvests. Because rain is such an important aspect of the harvest season, there were many water celebrations during the time of the Temple, as well. Shmini Atzeret The eighth day of Sukkot is called Shmini Atzeret. It is a solemn day, where we pray for rain for the coming season. A special prayer for rain is said during services, and is repeated at least three times a day until Passover. Simchat Torah At the end of Sukkot, we celebrate the joyous holiday of Simchat Torah, or Rejoicing of the Torah.