Q&A for How to Celebrate Sukkot

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.

A visitor to a Sukkah is called an ushpizin.

Most people drink Kosher wine or juice. There are many Kosher companies that make these products.

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.

The Torah doesn't have answers to everything, and there are different branches of Judaism. Just do what makes you most comfortable.

It is a budget-friendly way of showing kids that we are all connected in Hashem's eyes.

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.

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.

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.

The 4 species are Etrog, Lulav, Hadass, and Aravah. Sukkot is the Feast of the Tabernacles.

No, not particularly.

I consider myself observant, but I just use the sukkah built at the temple.

A small tent is not considered a Sukkah. A Sukkah has very specific requirements to be considered a Sukkah.

That is not practiced because the Temple is not standing but I believe what you are referring to is associated with Passover.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.