SUKKOTH Meaning and
Definition
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Sukkoth, also known as Sukkot or the Feast of Booths, is a Jewish festival celebrated in autumn, typically falling in September or October. The Hebrew word "sukkoth" translates to "booths" or "tabernacles," referring to the temporary shelters that are built and dwelled in during the festival.
Sukkoth is observed for seven days and is among the most joyous holidays in the Jewish calendar. It commemorates the Israelites' 40 years of wandering in the desert after the Exodus from Egypt, during which they lived in temporary structures. The central commandment of this festival is to dwell in a sukkah, a small, makeshift booth with a roof made of foliage. The sukkah symbolizes both the physical and spiritual shelter provided by God.
Throughout the festival, it is customary to eat meals in the sukkah, recite specific blessings, and even sleep within the sukkah to fully immerse in the experience. The festival also involves the Four Species, or Arba Minim, which consists of the etrog (citron), lulav (palm branch), hadassim (myrtle branches), and aravot (willow branches). These are held together and waved in all directions during prayer services as a form of rejoicing.
Sukkoth is a time of joy, gratitude, and unity, celebrating the abundant harvest and the protective guidance of God. It promotes introspection and serves as a reminder of the importance of appreciating what one has by focusing on the simplicity and impermanence of the sukkah, fostering a connection with nature and the divine.
Common Misspellings for SUKKOTH
Etymology of SUKKOTH
The word "Sukkot" (or "Sukkoth") derives from the Hebrew word סוכות (sukkot), which is the plural form of סוכה (sukkah). The root of the word is סכך (sakakh), which means "to cover" or "to overshadow". The use of "sukkah" refers to the temporary, hut-like structures that are built during the festival of Sukkot. These structures traditionally have a roof made of natural materials like branches or foliage, symbolizing the temporary dwellings the Israelites used during their 40-year journey through the desert.
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