The holiday of Sukkot commemorate the miraculous protection of the “clouds of glory” during the forty years our ancestors traversed the Sinai Desert. Ever since, we remember G‑d’s kindness and reaffirm our trust in His providence by dwelling in a sukkah–a hut of temporary construction with a roof covering of branches–for the duration of the Sukkot festival.
During Sukkot we also taking of the Four Kinds: an ethrog (citron), a lulav (palm frond), three hadassim (myrtle twigs) and two aravot (willow twigs). On each day of the festival (excepting Shabbat), we take the Four Kinds, recite a blessing over them, bring them together in and wave them in all directions. Our sages tell us that the Four Kinds represent the various types and personalities that comprise the community of Israel, whose intrinsic unity we emphasize on Sukkot.
The holiday season concludes with Shhmini Atzeret and Simchat Torah in which we conclude the reading of the annual cycle of the Torah and begin anew. It is celebrated with dancing known as Hakafot. The overall theme of the Sukkot, Shmini Atzeret and Simchat Torah holidays is one of joy. We hope you’ll celebrate with us throughout this season.
