Sukkot 2026

(also spelled Soukkot or Sukkot) is a Jewish holiday that lasts 7 days in Israel and 8 days in the diaspora. In 2026, Sukkot will begin on the evening of Monday, September 5, 2026 19:24 and ends Oct. 3 evening.

Main traditions :

Construction and habitation of a sukkah: A temporary hut reminiscent of the shelters of the Israelites in the desert.
Loulav and Etrog : Shake the four species (palm, myrtle, willow and citron) each day of the festival.
Festive meals in the sukkah.
Special prayers, including the recitation of Hallel.
Simchat Beit HaShoeva : Joyful celebrations with music and dancing.
Hoshana Rabba : The 7th day, considered the day of final judgment.
Sukkot is a time of joy and gratitude, commemorating divine protection during the Exodus and celebrating the fall harvest.

History :

The holiday commemorates the Israelites' journey into the desert after the Exodus from Egypt. For 40 years, they lived in temporary shelters (sukkot in Hebrew), protected by G-d.
The ritual of the four species. The four species (arba minim in Hebrew) are:
a) Lulav: A palm branch

b) Hadass: Three myrtle branches

c) Arava: Two willow branches

d) Etrog: A citron (citrus fruit)

Ritual :

The four species are gathered and held together.
A special blessing is recited.
They are waved in six directions (east, south, west, north, up, down) symbolizing divine omnipresence.

Meaning : Each species would represent a part of the human body or a type of Jew, emphasizing the unity of the people.
During Sukkot, meals are traditionally eaten in the sukkah. Here are some food customs:
Consumption of seasonal fruits and vegetables, symbolizing the harvest.
Stuffed dishes (e.g. stuffed cabbage, stuffed eggplant) representing abundance.
Kreplach: ravioli stuffed with meat, often served in soup.
Etrog: After the party, citron is often used to make jams or liqueurs.
Ushpizin: Tradition of inviting symbolic (biblical figures) and real "guests", encouraging hospitality.
Some have the custom of eating round foods (like dumplings or apples) symbolizing the cycle of the year.