First day of Sukkot in United Kingdom

Many Jewish communities in the United Kingdom 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 Rabbi is pictured inside a sukkah checking myrtle branches during Sukkot.

©iStockphoto.com/Tova Teitelbaum

What do people do?

Many Jewish people in the United Kingdom 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. Many people wear coats and warm clothing when they are in the sukkah during cold weather.

The first day of Sukkot is kept like the Sabbath so many Jewish people do not engage in certain work activities on this day. Some Jewish families in the United Kingdom may plan a holiday around Sukkot to visit Israel. The rest of the days during the Sukkot period are days when work is permitted. Many Jewish communities in the United Kingdom also observe a religious duty, or mitzvah, known as waving the four species (of plants) and reciting a blessing. This deed is usually performed each day during Sukkot (except for the Sabbath).

Public life

The first day of Sukkot is a not a bank holiday in the United Kingdom. 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 United Kingdom

• 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