Q&A for How to Celebrate Sukkot

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  • Question
    Is there any special clothing worn?
    Community Answer
    During the festival days, no special clothing is worn. The regular holiday and shabbat clothing is worn on the first two and last two days. In the middle 4 days, known as Chol Hamoed, no special clothing at all is worn.
  • Question
    What is the term for the visitors to the Sukkah?
    Community Answer
    A visitor to a Sukkah is called an ushpizin.
  • Question
    What do people drink in Sukkah?
    Community Answer
    Most people drink Kosher wine or juice. There are many Kosher companies that make these products.
  • Question
    What do Jews use their Sukkah for?
    Community Answer
    Jews eat, drink, chat, and if the weather's good enough, sleep in their Sukkahs. The commandment in the bible dictates only that Jews should make 'kiddush' a blessing over wine, in their Sukkahs, but it is a common idea that, on the festival of Sukkot, it is good to spend as much time as possible in the Sukkah.
  • Question
    Why do we need to follow all the interpretations and rules? Why not just follow the Torah's instructions for how to do the feasts?
    Community Answer
    The Torah doesn't have answers to everything, and there are different branches of Judaism. Just do what makes you most comfortable.
  • Question
    What is the meaning behind the paper chains?
    Rafi Monkarsh
    Community Answer
    It is a budget-friendly way of showing kids that we are all connected in Hashem's eyes.
  • Question
    What does it mean to "not work"? A friend and I usually help the homeless, can we do this on Sukkot?
    Community Answer
    Yes, this doesn't constitute working, because you are not doing any actions which actually break shabbat, for example driving a car, or handling money. Also, feeding the homeless is a Mitzvah (commandment), so definitely continue doing it.
  • Question
    If I am unable to get Lulav & Etrog are there any acceptable substitutes worthy enough? As an Ethiopian Israelite, are there different regulations and traditions to adhere to?
    Community Answer
    Do you visit stores that sell Jewish Goods? There are foam toys for children that you can use if you're not able to find the real thing.
  • Question
    Sukkot includes what from the Torah?
    Community Answer
    Taking the four species everyday for the first 7 days, living (that is, eating, drinking, sleeping) in the Sukkah for the first 7 - 8 days depending on customs, refraining from certain types of work (similar to the shabbat), for the first 2 and last 2 days, rejoicing with G-D for all 9 days.
  • Question
    What are the four species that are used at Sukkot?
    Community Answer
    The 4 species are Etrog, Lulav, Hadass, and Aravah. Sukkot is the Feast of the Tabernacles.
  • Question
    Does this sacrament have anything to do with water?
    Community Answer
    No, not particularly.
  • Question
    Does an observant Jew have to have his/her own sukkah?
    Community Answer
    I consider myself observant, but I just use the sukkah built at the temple.
  • Question
    What if you live in a small town and the nearest Temple is 400+ miles from you? Can I Use a small tent and use it in my backyard? Or do I need to make a Sukkah? It is just me.
    Community Answer
    A small tent is not considered a Sukkah. A Sukkah has very specific requirements to be considered a Sukkah.
  • Question
    What day do you roast the lamb over an openfire?
    Benjamin M.
    Top Answerer
    That is not practiced because the Temple is not standing but I believe what you are referring to is associated with Passover.
  • Question
    Can I use my friend's lulav when celebrating Sukkot?
    Benjamin M.
    Top Answerer
    To fulfill the mitzvah of shaking the lulav and esrog, they must belong to you. That means your friend should explicitly transfer ownership of the lulav to you. They may do so on the condition that you give it back. There are more subtleties for which you should consult a rabbi.
  • Question
    Can you eat meat during sukkot?
    Benjamin M.
    Top Answerer
    Yes. In fact, there is a concept that eating meat and drinking wine is how one should celebrate during Jewish holidays, but this is only if you enjoy meat.
  • Question
    What kind of food should I eat during Sukkot?
    Benjamin M.
    Top Answerer
    Unlike other holidays, Sukkot has no traditional dishes—other than kreplach (dumplings), traditionally eaten on Hoshanah Rabbah, the seventh day of Sukkot. Instead, we enjoy a variety of traditional foods—challah, fish, salads, chicken, meat and more.
  • Question
    What should you bring when invited to a friend's Sukka?
    Community Answer
    its always nice to bring a gift but you never are obligated to. However, if you choose to bring a gift, then here are some things you could bring: a bottle of wine, cookies/cakes and, of course, a big smile!
  • Question
    How many candles am I supposed have on Sukkot. Is there a certain amount?
    Community Answer
    There is no set amount although according to traditional law you would kindle at least one on each of the first two nights of the holiday, as well as one on Shemini Atzeret at the end of Sukkot. Many have the custom of lighting two or more. Additionally, because on a holiday (provided it is not Shabbat) you can light a fire from an existing flame, many light a 24 or 48 hour candle so they can use it to kindle fires (particularly the candle for the second night). For practical guidance in your area consult appropriate halachic counsel.
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