Succoth

In Judaism, a festival celebrated in September/October, which commemorates the time when the Israelites lived in the wilderness during the Exodus from Egypt. As a reminder of the shelters used in the wilderness, huts (sukkāh) are built and used for eating and sleeping during the seven-day celebration. Succoth occurs at harvest time, and has elements of a harvest festival.

The festival begins five days after Yom Kippur, the day of fasting and penitence. It is one of the three pilgrim festivals. Although it commemorates a time of hardship, Succoth is also a festival of rejoicing. The building of a sukkōt, either in a garden or at a synagogue, symbolizes trust in God's protection. It has to have at least three sides, but it is quite a flimsy structure. The roof is made of cut branches, through which the sky can be seen. The sukkōt is lavishly decorated with garlands and fruit.

Four species of plant, the Arba Minim, are held by people in the synagogue: palm branches (lulav), willow, and myrtle tied together, and a citrus fruit (etrog). The citrus fruit symbolizes the heart, the palm branches stand for backbone, myrtle symbolizes the eyes, and willow the mouth. The Arba Minim signifies the importance of honouring God in body, mind, and actions.