Sukkot (Day 4) in Israel

Background: Sukkot, also known as the Feast of Tabernacles or Feast of Booths, is a biblical Jewish holiday celebrated on the 15th day of the month of Tishrei. It lasts for seven days in Israel (eight days outside of Israel). The fourth day of Sukkot is simply a continuation of the festival's celebration.

Historical Significance:

• Commemoration: Sukkot commemorates the forty-year period during which the children of Israel wandered in the desert, living in temporary shelters.
• Agricultural Aspect: It also celebrates the gathering of the harvest and is often referred to as Chag Ha-Asif, the Festival of Ingathering.

Traditions and Practices:

• Building a Sukkah: Jewish families build a sukkah, a temporary hut-like structure where meals are eaten throughout the holiday. The sukkah is decorated with autumnal, harvest or Judaic themes.
• Lulav and Etrog: Participants perform a waving ceremony with four species (arba minim): palm frond (lulav), myrtle twigs (hadas), willow twigs (arava), and citron (etrog).

Activities on Day 4:

• Dwelling in Sukkah: People continue to eat meals and spend time in their sukkot.
• Social Gatherings: It's common to invite family and friends over for festive meals called "Sukkot feasts."
• Religious Services: Some attend synagogue services where Hallel (psalms of praise) is recited and where there may be special readings for Sukkot.

Day 4 of Sukkot does not hold any unique status compared to the other intermediate days (Chol HaMoed) within Israel. The general spirit is one of joyous celebration with an emphasis on giving thanks for both spiritual and material blessings.