“You shall live in booths seven days; all citizens in Israel shall live in booths.” – Leviticus 23:42

Sukkot traces its roots to the many agricultural ceremonies enacted by the ancient Hebrews, becoming a festival of thanks for a bountiful fall harvest and one of three “pilgrimage festivals” during which a portion of the first fruits were brought to the Temple in Jerusalem.

Sukkot was transformed by the Torah into a festival that celebrates and commemorates the protection afforded the Israelites throughout their wanderings in the wilderness.

The major symbol of Sukkot is the sukkah, from the Hebrew word for “hut” or “booth.” Temple Emanu-El brings the spirit of Sukkot indoors with the creation of our beautiful 30 foot-tall sukkah.

Other symbols of the festival include the lulav (consisting of two willow branches, a single palm branch and three myrtle branches) and the etrog (Hebrew for “citron”), a fruit similar in color and shape to a lemon. The lulav and etrog are used together in a prayer ritual for Sukkot.

Sh’mini Atzeret/Simchat Torah
While not technically a part of Sukkot, Sh’mini Atzeret and Simchat Torah have become extensions of the festival of Sukkot and mark its culmination. Sh’mini Atzeret, which means “the Eighth Day of Assembly,” is a time of additional celebration and reflection. It serves as a spiritual encore to the festivities of Sukkot, representing an intimate, more personal gathering with the Divine.

Simchat Torah, or “Rejoicing in the Torah,” is a jubilant celebration marking the conclusion of the annual cycle of Torah readings and the immediate commencement of a new one. On this day, congregations joyously parade the Torah scrolls, dancing and singing in celebration of the enduring legacy of Jewish learning.

Sukkot 5785

15-21 Tishrei | Wednesday, October 16 – Thursday October 24

UPCOMING

Tikkun Olam: Sukkot Food Drive
Wednesday, October 16 – Wednesday, October 23
Temple Emanu-El | East 65th Street and 66th Street lobbies

Join us in tikkun olam — repairing the world — mitzvah by mitzvah. To help address hunger in our neighborhood this Sukkot, you can pick up a specially designated bag and shopping list from our 65th and 66th Street lobbies. Plan to return your bag filled with fresh produce during the week of Sukkot, starting Wednesday, October 16. All food will be donated to our neighbor, Urban Outreach Center.

Shake in the Shack
Wednesday, October 16 | 5:15 PM to 6:00 PM
3rd Floor Playground, enter at 10 East 66th Street

Temple Emanu-El families and their guests are invited for lulav shaking, games and light snacks in the outdoor sukkah as we celebrate Sukkot together. 

Erev Sukkot Family Service*
Wednesday, October 16 | 6:00 PM
Fifth Avenue Sanctuary

Open to all members and their guests. Temple Emanu-El brings the spirit of Sukkot indoors with the creation of our beautiful sukkah, which is a sight not to be missed.

Watch the livestream of the service at Experience Emanu-ElFacebook, or YouTube.

Sukkot Morning Service*
Thursday, October 17 | 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM
Fifth Avenue Sanctuary

Open to all. 

Watch the livestream of the service at Experience Emanu-ElFacebook, or YouTube.

Young Members Circle: Sanctuary Sukkah and Lulav Shake
Sunday, October 20 | 2:00 PM
Temple Emanu-El | One East 65th Street

Join the Young Members Circle for some lulav shaking, light refreshments and a special tour of our Main Sanctuary. The tour will be led by Warren Klein, director and curator of the Herbert & Eileen Bernard Museum of Judaica. Open to temple members ages 21 to 39.

Emanu-El Downtown: Emanu-El Makers — Sukkot Edition
Sunday, October 20 | 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Genius Gems | 555 Sixth Avenue

Celebrate Sukkot with Emanu-El Downtown at Genius Gems with an afternoon of tinkering. This event is free for Religious School Lab students.

Torah Treats and Family Creations
Wednesday, October 23 | 5:15 PM to 6:00 PM
Isaac Mayer Wise Hal

Join us for a special celebration honoring our new Religious School families and students at a pre-service nosh. The evening will begin with crafting activities and snacks, all leading up to our Sh’mini Atzeret/Simchat Torah Family Service with Consecration.

Sh’mini Atzeret / Simchat Torah Family Evening Service with Consecration*
Wednesday, October 23 | 6:00 PM
Fifth Avenue Sanctuary

Join us for a special celebration honoring our new Religious School families and students during our Sh’mini Atzeret/Simchat Torah Family Service with Consecration, where all new students will receive a special blessing from Rabbi Joshua Davidson. Open to all.

You are also welcome to join beforehand for a pre-service nosh, crafts and activities for families. Register for the pre-reception here.

Watch the livestream of the service at Experience Emanu-ElFacebook, or YouTube.

Sh’mini Atzeret / Simchat Torah Morning Service with Yizkor*
Thursday, October 24 | 10:30 AM
Fifth Avenue Sanctuary

Join us for a joyful service celebrating the Torah cycle’s completion and renewal, followed by Yizkor to honor the memory of loved ones. 

Watch the livestream of the service at Experience Emanu-ElFacebook, or YouTube.