The less reformed Jewish people would build their Succah at their homes whereas as other Jewish people may build it in the synagogue. The synagogue offers Jewish people to build their Succah and the Rabbi’s take part in a service. A minority of Jewish people would build their Succah outside the synagogue. Some Jewish people in Israel would sleep in their Succah. Depending on different Mitzvah some Jewish people do not do this because of the climate they live in. The experience of living in a Succot should remind Jewish people of their historical identity. The overall message is that outside the Succot it looks weak, but inside it is strong.
One shared ritual is the mitzvah of holding the four plants also known as the four species or Arba minimum. This is when four different types of fruits and trees were taken, these were Etrog, a citrus fruit which looks like a lemon but taste and smells different. The Branches of palm trees, called lulav and boughs of leafy trees which is represented by myrtle is tied around the Lulav to hold it together. Leviticus 23 in verse 40 it states “On the first day you shall take the fruit of majestic trees, branches of palm trees, boughs of leafy trees, and willows of the brooks: and you shall rejoice before the Lord your God for seven days”. The Jewish people then shake the Lulav in all directions which are north, south, east and west. It is also shaken up and down three times and says the prayers of thanksgiving to God for all the good things we got from the earth. This is preceded everyday on the festival. These four species were most likely chosen for thanksgiving ritual as they were seen rich during the ancient Israelite period. Whereas as others may say that it resembles differences among people. Different types of people were brought together during Succot just like the way the four species are. This ritual clearly shows the thanksgiving of the fertile land and the final harvest. This festival is also referred to as Chag Ha-Asif or the festival of ingathering.
Jewish people are obliged by God to be happy during this festival this is why Succot is called Zman Simhatenu- the season of rejoicing. Joy on Succot is referred to three times in the Torah: “You shall rejoice before the lord your God seven days”, “You shall have nothing but joy” and “You shall rejoice on your festival”.
The festival Succot is sometimes referred to as Tabernacles and is five days after Yom Kippur on the 15th of Tishri till the 22nd. The first and the last days are days of rest. This means that no work may be done; there are many different laws according to Halachic law. This day is also known as Chol Homoed meaning weekend holiday, this day is designated to reading the Torah. This is because of the Exodus between the creation of the world and the Exodus from Egypt (Deuteronomy).
On the 7th day of this festival is Hashanah Rabbah (Great Supplication), this takes place on the 21st of Tishri. This day is marked by a special service in the synagogue, where worshipphers hold their lulav and etrog while the congregation recites the Hoshanot, which are the prayers of rain read in a Succah. It is a custom for the scrolls of the Torah are removed from the ark during this ceremony. The significance of this is for the Jewish people to praise God, this is why it is sometimes known as the Great Praise. Hashanah Rabbah is not a festive day of this festival but it is marked by a number of significant rituals. The Hoshanah prayers are recited as the congregration proceeds, the four specices are carried around the synagogue. These prayers are extremely important as they call for God’s salvation. The following rituals take place by each Jewish person, taking a bunch of willow springs and beating them till the leaves drop off. These customs came from the temple ceremonies. Hashanah Rabbah is also significant for it period of divine judgment.
The eight day Shimini Atzaret, is a solemn assembly another Sabbath rest. As this day is a Sabbath Jewish people must not work. "On the eighth day you should hold a solemn gathering; you shall not work at your occupation" (Numbers 29:35). This day is very significant to Sukkot as it is the conclusion of the tabernacles. This is in fact two days in the Diaspora. Shimini Atzaret marks the season of rain followed in the harvest in Israel. This day is vital for the festival Sukkot as it commemorates rain during the harvest period. In ancient Israel before the temple was destroyed in Jerusalem, Jewish people would bring an offering on this day to the temple. As the temple is now destroyed the rituals are liturgical.
The 9th day which follows up straight after Shimini Atzaret is part of this day. It is called Simchat Torah; this is significant as it is the rejoicing after the Torah cycle has been finished. This is very important as it reminds Jewish people that the Torah is an on going cycle which will never end. This day is very joyful as the love for the Toarah is openly expressed. “On the ninth day we celebrate Simchat Torah, meaning rejoicing in the Toarh”. In Israel Simchat Torah is celebrated on the first and only day of Shemini Atzeret, Liberal Jewish people would also celebrate Simchat Torah on the same day.
In conclusion I conclude that the 1st, 7th, 8th and 9th day of Succot are equally as important as each other. They each have there importance as they all teach different teachings. However it is not just the days that only play a major role in this festival but it is also the rituals that takes place, for example the four species. The important of living in the Succah is for the sake of it but also because God commanded the Jewish people to. The overall message which is given in this festival is to thank and praise God for his majesty and benevolence.