First Day of Sukkot in the United States

The First Day of Sukkot is a Jewish holiday that typically occurs in September or October, marking the beginning of the week-long festival of Sukkot. This festival is also known as the Feast of Tabernacles or Feast of Booths.

History and Traditions: Sukkot commemorates the Israelites' 40-year journey through the desert after their exodus from Egypt, during which they lived in temporary shelters known as sukkahs. The holiday has both agricultural and historical significance; it also celebrates the harvest season.

• Building a Sukkah: One of the central mitzvahs (commandments) for this holiday is to build and dwell in a sukkah, a temporary hut with a roof made of natural materials, such as branches, known as schach.
• Four Species (Arba Minim): The four species – etrog (citron), lulav (palm frond), hadas (myrtle twigs), and aravah (willow twigs) – are held together and waved in six directions to symbolize God's dominion over creation.
• Hospitality: It is customary to invite guests into the sukkah to share meals and festivities.

What People Do on This Day: In the United States, observant Jews will take part in these traditions:

1. Constructing sukkahs in their backyards or community spaces.
2. Participating in special synagogue services where they will perform the waving ceremony with the Four Species.
3. Sharing festive meals inside the sukkah with family, friends, and often guests from within and outside their community.
4. Some may take time off work or school to observe this holy day fully.

The First Day of Sukkot is not a federal public holiday in the United States; however, it is widely observed among Jewish communities across the country. Public activities may still continue normally elsewhere, but accommodations are often made for those observing Sukkot.