First day of Sukkot in Australia

Many Jewish Australians observe the first day of Sukkot (Succot, Succoth, Sukkoth), which is the start of the Sukkot period. This period, also known as the Feast of Tabernacles, lasts for about seven days. It is observed during the week starting on 15th day of Tishri (or Tishrei), which is the first month of the year in the Jewish calendar.

A lemon-like fruit found on a citron tree is one of the Sukkot symbols.

©iStockphoto.com/sterling_photo

What do people do?

Many Jewish Australians build a temporary booth known as the sukkah before the start of the Sukkot period, which lasts for about seven days. The sukkah is a temporary dwelling that reminds people about God’s protection over those who wandered in the wilderness for 40 years, a story described in the Torah. Some Australian Jewish businesses sell products such as portable sukkahs, decoration packs for sukkahs, and modular sukkahs.

The first day of Sukkot is kept like the Sabbath so some Jewish Australians may observe work restrictions. The rest of the days during the Sukkot period are days when work is permitted. Many Jewish people in Australia also make symbolic use of four kinds of plants known as the “four species”, which are said to represent Israel, the final harvest and the land’s fertility. Some Jewish student societies at universities hold activities that feature music, free fruit, and a sukkah to commemorate Sukkot.

Public life

The first day of Sukkot is a not a nationwide public holiday in Australia. However, many Jewish businesses, schools and organizations may be closed or offer a reduced level of service.

Background

The Sukkot period is a time to remember the Jewish people’s wandering in the desert for 40 years following their exodus from Egypt, according to Jewish teachings. It is also a time to celebrate the grape harvest. Some sources claim that Sukkot lasts for about seven days while others state that it is an eight-day festival. The seventh day of Sukkot is known as Hoshana Rabbah while the eighth day is known as Shmini Atzeret and the day after is called Simchat Torah.

Symbols

An important Sukkot symbol is the sukkah. This is a temporary structure with a roof made of sechach or s'chach, which is raw, unfinished plant material, such as palm branches, bamboo poles, reeds or even corn stalks.

The “four species” are also important symbols of Sukkot and represent the blessings of nature. These are lulav (a green, closed frond of a date palm tree), hadass (twigs and leaves from a myrtle tree), aravah (twigs and leaves from a willow tree) and etrog (a lemon-like fruit of the citron tree).

About First day of Sukkot in other countries

First day of Sukkot Observances

Related holidays

• Last day of Sukkot ―Wednesday, September 25, 2013
• Shmini Atzeret/Simchat Torah ―Thursday, September 26, 2013

Other holidays in September 2013 in Australia

• Father's Day ―Sunday, September 1, 2013
• Rosh Hashana ―Thursday, September 5, 2013
• Yom Kippur ―Saturday, September 14, 2013
• September equinox ―Sunday, September 22, 2013
• Last day of Sukkot ―Wednesday, September 25, 2013
• Shmini Atzeret/Simchat Torah ―Thursday, September 26, 2013
• Family & Community Day ―Monday, September 30, 2013
• Queen's Birthday ―Monday, September 30, 2013