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by Devora Levy
October 13, 2024
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Why do Jews leave their homes right after the High Holidays and wave these four species? What does this teach me about joy?

Sukkot is a week-long Jewish holiday (eight days outside of Israel) that begins five days after Yom Kippur. While Yom Kippur is a solemn day of atonement, Sukkot shifts to a completely different mood—joy and celebration. It’s a harvest festival that recalls the time when the Israelites wandered in the desert for 40 years after their exodus from Egypt, living in temporary shelters, or sukkot (the plural form of sukkah). These flimsy, makeshift huts remind Jews today of the vulnerability of life and how they relied on divine protection during those years in the wilderness.

The sukkah is a central symbol of the holiday. Many Jewish families build one outdoors, often decorating it with fruits, greenery, and lights. For seven days, meals are eaten inside the sukkah, and many even sleep in it, symbolically leaving the comfort of their homes to reconnect with the simplicity and shelter of God, directly under the stars.

Alongside the sukkah, another key element of the holiday are the Four Species, which consist of the lulav (a long palm branch), hadasim (myrtle branches), aravot (willow branches), and the etrog (a citron fruit that looks like a large lemon). These species are held together and waved in all directions as part of the Sukkot prayers, symbolizing the unity of all of creation under God's sovereignty. Based on their shape, each of these species represents a different part of the body: the lulav represents the spine, the hadasim the eyes, the aravot the lips, and the etrog the heart—symbolizing how we serve God with our entire being.

Sukkot reminds us that true happiness comes not from material things, but from gratitude, connection, and community.

One reason given, why Sukkot follows right after Yom Kippur is that after the atonement and spiritual cleansing, God wants us to immediately engage in good deeds. He gives us this all-encompassing, joyful time to start building, shaking the lulav, and of course, cooking and sharing meals with our loved ones and guests. After all, what’s a Jewish festival without food, right?

The 'Time of Our Joy'
Sukkot is referred to as Z’man Simchateinu, meaning the "Time of Our Joy", the main element of the holiday. But what’s the connection between a holiday about wandering in the desert and joy?

At its core, Sukkot teaches us to rejoice in life’s essentials. Despite the temporary and fragile nature of the sukkah, it invites us to find joy in the present moment and appreciate what we have—shelter, food, family, and community. The joy of Sukkot doesn’t come from material luxury but from recognizing and celebrating the simple blessings that often go unnoticed.

Also, after the intensity of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, where we confronted our shortcomings and sought forgiveness, the sukkah—with its four walls (though technically, only two and a half are required)—is like the shape of a hug. It’s as if God is embracing us, saying, "I love you. You’re good enough." It’s a time of reassurance after having been so vulnerable, as though God is bringing us closer after we’ve bared our souls on Yom Kippur. It's also compared to the nurturing comfort of a womb, as it embraces our entire body.

Three Ways Sukkot Cultivates Joy
Sukkot teaches us how to cultivate happiness through gratitude, connection to nature, and community. Bring the spirit of Sukkot into your life with these practices:

1. Gratitude for the Present
By stepping into a sukkah, we pause and simplify life. The open roof allows us to look up at the sky, reminding us of both our vulnerability and the abundance around us. This moment of reflection shifts our focus from what we lack to what we have, sparking gratitude—a key ingredient of joy. During Sukkot, savor these small moments, whether through the scent of the fragrant etrog and hadasim (myrtle) or simply being present under the stars. In a world that emphasizes accumulation, Sukkot invites us to slow down and appreciate the present.
Practical Tip: Whether you have a sukkah or not, practice gratitude by taking a few moments each day during Sukkot (and beyond) to list three things you’re grateful for. Try incorporating mindfulness practices, like breathing exercises or fully inhaling the aroma of the etrog and hadasim, to enhance your holiday experience.

2. Connection to Nature
Sukkot is deeply connected to the agricultural cycle and the harvest. Even today, it gives us the chance to reconnect with the earth. Spending time in a sukkah, shaking the lulav, and holding the etrog are ways to engage with nature and its rhythms. For many, this connection brings a sense of peace and contentment, reminding us of our role as stewards of the environment and fostering joy in our relationship with the natural world.

Practical Tip: If you’re unable to build a sukkah, reconnect with nature by spending time outdoors. Go for a walk, sit in a park, or share a meal outside. These moments help you reflect on life’s simple blessings. If possible, borrow a set of the Four Species from a Jewish neighbor or your local synagogue and participate in the tradition of waving them in all directions.

3. Building Community and Sharing Joy
One of the most joyous traditions of Sukkot is welcoming guests into the sukkah, known as ushpizin. Whether it’s friends, family, or neighbors, gathering in the sukkah emphasizes the importance of community. Joy multiplies when shared, and Sukkot creates a space to build connections and create lasting memories. The holiday encourages us to open our homes—or our sukkot—and celebrate togetherness.

Practical Tip: Use this time to connect with loved ones. Invite someone over for a meal or take the opportunity to strengthen a relationship. Sharing experiences and creating joyful memories with others is central to the message of Sukkot.

Sukkot reminds us that true happiness comes not from material things, but from gratitude, connection, and community. By reflecting on the simple yet profound traditions of Sukkot, we can bring more joy into our lives—during the holiday and throughout the year. It’s a celebration of life's fragility, but also of its beauty, resilience, and abundance. Through the sukkah, the lulav and etrog, and the shared meals with loved ones, Sukkot invites us to slow down, appreciate, and celebrate the joy in simply being alive.

Click here for more information about the various practices during Sukkot, and click here for more inspiring articles on the meaning of Sukkot.

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