The Sukkot holiday that begins this evening is filled with meaning and symbolism. Its timing only five days after the purification of Yom Kippur leads to special joy, and in fact it is known as the "time of our rejoicing." The holiday involves elements such as:

* the Sukkah in which we dwell for a week, commemorating G-d's Providence following the Exodus from Egypt and forever;

* the Four Species - lulav (palm branch), etrog (citron), hadassim (myrtle branches) and aravot (willow branches);

* nightly celebrations commemorating the joyous water-drawing ceremonies in the Holy Temple;

* all-night Torah study on Hoshana Rabba;

* a time of harvest in the Land of Israel;

* the conclusion and re-beginning of the public annual Torah reading cycle;

and more.



For more information on this rich holiday, see, for instance: Orthodox Union,





Torah Tots,



and Chabad.



For additional Sukkot sites, see Jacob Richman's

all-purpose website.