שבעת המינים
The seven species
The fruits for which the Land of Israel is praised: wheat, barley, grapes, figs, pomegranate, olive and date. Sukkot is a time of thanks for the harvest.
The season of joy
A festival of thanks and gladness
Sukkot is called “z'man simchateinu” — “the season of our rejoicing.” It is a harvest festival: in ancient times its days gathered the fruit of the land, and thanksgiving for it filled the heart with gladness.
Of Sukkot it is said in particular: “and you shall be only joyful.” So song, dance and generous hospitality are added to it — a joy that is commanded to be full.
Days of the festival
From harvest to Simchat Torah
Sukkot unfolds from thanks for the harvest to the rejoicing of the Torah. Here are its three bright peaks.
שמחת בית
Simchat Beit HaShoeva
In Temple times the water for libation was drawn with great rejoicing — “one who has not seen this joy has never seen joy at all.” Today it is recalled with music and gladness.
שמחת תורה
Simchat Torah
The festival closes with Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah: the yearly cycle of Torah reading reaches its end and begins anew — and the scrolls are danced with, heart and soul.
“And you shall be only joyful” — the only festival of which this is said.