First Day of Sukkot in the United Kingdom:

History and Traditions:

Sukkot is a Jewish festival that celebrates the gathering of the harvest and commemorates the miraculous protection provided for the children of Israel when they left Egypt. In the UK, as in other parts of the world, Sukkot begins on the 15th day of Tishrei in the Hebrew calendar, which usually falls in September or October.

Observances:

• Building a Sukkah: Jewish families in the UK build a sukkah, a temporary hut with walls and a roof made of thatch or branches, to symbolize the shelters Israelites used during their 40 years in the desert.
• Decoration: The sukkah is often decorated with autumnal harvest themes, including fruits and vegetables.
• Eating Meals: It is customary to eat meals in the sukkah during Sukkot. Some families also sleep in their sukkah if weather permits.
• Four Species: Participants perform rituals involving four species (etrog (citron), lulav (palm frond), hadas (myrtle branches), and aravah (willow branches)) representing different aspects of nature.

Community Activities:

Jewish communities across the UK may hold special services in synagogues. The first day is particularly important as it is marked by a full holiday observance with restrictions similar to Shabbat regarding work and certain activities.

Public Life Impact:

While Sukkot is not a public holiday in the UK, those who observe it may take time off from work or school to celebrate. Public life for others continues as normal.