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 (sukkah) 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 sukkot, 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 sukkot is lavishly decorated with garlands and fruit.