Sukkot 2024 in Israel: The Feast of Tabernacles*—the most joyful of the Jewish holidays. (Feast of Booths)
Here is an overview of the main Sukkot customs in Israel.

Building the Sukkah

Reference in the Torah: Ba Sukkot, Tishrei 7: “You shall dwell in sukkot for seven days”—this is a verse written in the Torah specifically for Sukkot, in the parashah Emor, Vayikra, chapter 3, verse 2.

Building a sukkah is essential for living in it; it is a temporary hut that recalls the dwellings of the Israelites during their exodus from Egypt. In Israel, as soon as Yom Kippur ends, sukkahs can be seen popping up everywhere: on balconies, in gardens, on the roofs of buildings, and even on sidewalks. Sukkot are often festively decorated with garlands, fruit, religious images, and colorful ornaments. Families eat their meals there, entertain guests, and sometimes even sleep there.

Pilgrimage to Jerusalem

Sukkot is one of the biblical pilgrimage festivals during which Jews were commanded to travel to Jerusalem to offer sacrifices at the Beit Hamikdash during the Shalom Regalim (the Three Festivals), and this is especially true for Sukkot in Israel. Today, this tradition continues, and thousands of Jews flock to the Holy City of Jerusalem. A visit to the Kotel (Western Wall) is a highlight, where the faithful come to pray and wave the lulav and etrog, accompanied by the aravot and addassim.

Sim’hat Beit HaSho’eva

Sim’hat Beit HaSho’eva, or “the joy of the water libation ceremony”—every Jewish holiday brings us closer to nature in a special way, and it’s important to observe this ancient custom, which is commemorated through joyful celebrations and community gatherings.
In Israel, especially in Jerusalem, festivals are held in religious neighborhoods, with music, dancing, and singing that continue late into the night. We at JBOOST also organize events and kosher trips in Jerusalem and throughout Israel.

Hoshana Rabbah

The seventh day of Sukkot is called Hoshana Rabbah: It is a day of intense prayer and supplication for rain (during the prayer, the Tephila Tal—which means “dew and rain”—is recited) in order to bless the prosperity of the coming year. In Israel, special ceremonies are held in synagogues, featuring processions in which the congregation circles the bimah (central platform) while holding the Four Species and chanting special prayers; it is customary to recite the Hallel, an ancient song filled with love for Hashem.

Sukkot and Nature

In Israel, many residents take advantage of the Sukkot holidays to travel and spend time outdoors. Reuniting with family during Sukkot—or, for many , the goal of treating themselves to a trip to a kosher resort for Sukkot— is a popular choice . Many hotels for Sukkot are featured on this page, so don’t miss out—enjoy your best Sukkot yet in Israel. National parks, nature reserves, and historic sites see an influx of families and groups who come to picnic, camp, and sometimes even set up portable sukkahs. This closeness to nature strengthens the connection between the Sukkot celebrations and an appreciation for God’s creation. In Israel, we’re lucky to be able to enjoy plenty of outdoor barbecues near the sukkahs—it’s truly a dream come true!   

Community Celebrations During Sukkot 

Sukkot in Israel is also a time of many community celebrations. Synagogues, community centers, and religious organizations host communal meals, children’s activities, Torah classes, and cultural events. The celebrations often take place in community sukkahs, creating an atmosphere of fellowship and sharing. Our goal is to introduce you to our consulting service at JBOOST Travel—a service dedicated to the Sukkot holiday. You’re welcome to visit either of our two offices to pick up brochures for kosher trips during Sukkot and around the world, particularly in Europe, as well as all trips to Israel.

Conclusion of Sukkot in Israel

Sukkot in Israel is a holiday marked by rich tradition and deep spirituality. The customs of building the sukkah, the use of the Four Species, pilgrimages to Jerusalem, the Simchat Beit HaSho’eva festivities, the Hoshana Rabbah prayers, trips into nature, and community celebrations make this time of year particularly joyful and meaningful. For Israelis, Sukkot is a special time to reconnect with their roots, strengthen family and community bonds, and celebrate the richness of their spiritual heritage. Come to Israel in large numbers to celebrate Sukkot together, for as we pray for the coming of the Messiah and for our prayer to be heard loud and clear, we have the mitzvah to pray at the Western Wall during Sukkot, just as the Kohanim used to celebrate it every year during Sukkot in Israel.