Sukkot

Sukkot Quick Facts - ZA

AKA NameChag Ha-Asif, Succot
HashtagsCompiled on#Sukkot
Related Hashtags#ChagSameach, #Sukkah
2023 Date29 September 2023
2024 Date16 October 2024

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South Africa & Common Holidays
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Sukkot

Sukkot, also known as the Feast of Tabernacles, is a biblically mandated Jewish festival traditionally observed to commemorate the 40-year period during which the Israelites wandered in the desert, living in temporary shelters. It is a festival of thanksgiving and a time to remember the protection and guidance that God provided during their journey. The holiday lasts for seven days and has several key observances that include dwelling in a temporary structure called a sukkah, a roof made of natural materials, and the waving of the four species comprising a palm frond, willow, and myrtle branches, and a citron fruit, demonstrating unity in diversity.

While there isn't a specific history relating Sukkot to South Africa, Jewish communities across the nation join together in celebrating this significant holiday. South African Jews observe the festival with the same key aspects as their counterparts across the globe, constructing and decorating their sukkahs and gathering the four species to perform traditional rituals. Although the holiday has its origins in ancient Israel, the universal themes of giving thanks and reflecting on the divine protection are experienced by South African Jews in their unique cultural context.

Jewish communities in South Africa observe Sukkot according to the same Hebrew calendar as the rest of the world. The festival begins on the 15th day of the Hebrew month of Tishrei, which generally falls between late September and late October in the Gregorian calendar. As it is the Southern Hemisphere, South Africa experiences warmer weather conditions during this period, allowing for a comfortable and enjoyable celebration of Sukkot. Families and communities come together to participate in the rituals, rejoice with delicious meals, and celebrate the beauty of unity and gratitude.

Sukkot facts

  • Sukkot is also a harvest festival. It is sometimes referred to as Chag Ha-Asif, the Festival of Ingathering. No work is permitted on the first day. However, some work is allowed on the intermediate days which are known as Chol Hamoed.
  • Each day of Succot is associated with Ushpezin (visitors), one of seven Succah visitors. Each day has its visitor, starting with Abraham. The other visitors are: Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Aaron, David and Solomon.
  • The seventh day of Sukkot is a special day known as Hoshanah Rabbah. It is considered the last day on which the divine judgment initiated on Rosh Hashanah can be altered or reversed. Traditional practices include a special synagogue service and beating willow branches on the ground.
  • The Lulav and Etrog, the four species of plants used during the Sukkot holiday, can sometimes be more difficult to obtain in South Africa because they are not native plants. Therefore, Jewish communities often import them from Israel or other countries, making their availability a significant aspect of the holiday's preparation.
  • South African Jews build sukkahs in their gardens, balconies, or courtyards, just like in other Jewish communities around the world. However, due to the warm climate, they often use indigenous foliage – like palm leaves or local branches – for their sukkah decorations and roofs.

Top things to do in South Africa for Sukkot

  • Purchase or make your own Sukkah. They are typically designed to be assembled and disassembled quickly - in less than two hours by two people.
  • One can buy the four kinds (of material used to build Sukkot as per the Torah) or order them from Israel. The four kinds include palm branches, an Etrog (citron), three willow branches and two myrtle branches. The palm, myrtle and willow are bound together in a palm holder.

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