The book of Exodus describes a forty-year period when the Israelites wandered in the desert, living in temporary shelters, or "booths." Sukkot (booths) commemorates their time in the desert. It’s one of the most joyous celebrations of the Jewish calendar from Leviticus 23:34: “the fifteenth day of this seventh month shall be the feast of tabernacles for seven days unto the LORD.” In today’s calendar, it’s after Yom Kippur, starting October 4 and ending October 11.

Many Jewish families erect temporary dwellings that resemble the “booths." For children it’s like camping out in a tent, eating their meals and sleeping in their sukkah. Sukkot is a holiday of thanksgiving for survival and harvest in Leviticus 23:40: “you are to take branches from luxuriant trees . . . and rejoice before the LORD your God for seven days.”

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