SUKKOT

Sukkot, also called the Harvest Festival and the Festival of Booths, is around the corner—October 16 through 23. We are looking forward to our annual family gathering, where we celebrate the gathering of the harvest and commemorate the miraculous protection God provided, not only for the children of Israel when they left Egypt, but also for the protection He provides for us as the Body of Christ in our preparation for exiting this world.

WHY WE SHOULD CONSIDER CELEBRATING SUKKOT
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The Torah (the five books of Moses in the Bible), which contains the entire body of Jewish law, practice, and tradition, refers to Sukkot as Chag HaAsif or the Festival of Ingathering or Harvest Festival. It is sometimes called Chag HaSukkot – Festival of Booths.

Tradition holds that Israel grew its crops in the winter, and they were ready to harvest by late spring. During Chag HaAsif, it is a time when Israel expresses their appreciation for the bounty they have harvested.

Chag HaSukkot also refers to the temporary dwellings that God used to shelter the Israelites on their way out of Egypt.
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HOW TO CELEBRATE SUKKOT
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The first two days:
- Sundown on October 16 until nightfall on October 18 are Yom Tov (festive days).

The intermediate days:
- Nightfall on October 18 until sundown on October 23 are quasi-holy days called Chol Hamoed, which includes the festivals of Passover and Sukkot.
During this time, the Israelites dwelt in a Sukkah—a hut or booth roofed with vegetation, in which the autumn festival of Sukkot is observed.

Although our family will not observe these holy days exactly in the same manner as the Israelites, we will incorporate some aspects of it. For instance, we will provide our own version of the Sukkah, which will be an outdoor tent.

The final two days:
- Sundown on October 23 until nightfall on October 25 are separate celebrations: Shemini Atzeret/Simchat Torah.
 
We look forward to everyone being present, so mark it on your calendar! If you have any questions about the event schedule, kids' activities, or meals being served, contact Kne’Elle. For questions about the festival or related scripture, contact Felicia.
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See everyone there!