Sukkot

CHJ's annual Sukkot celebration always includes gathering fruits and vegetables with which to decorate the Sukkah, usually at a local farm; decorating the Sukka; a family service; music; and a potluck lunch. It is a joyous family event, especially when there's good weather!

The lulav is a banner made from three myrtle twigs, two willow twigs, and one palm branch, all bound. Traditionally it is waved in four directions to symbolize the unity of the world and all people; and the unity of people with nature.

The word Sukkot is the plural of the Hebrew word sukkah, meaning booth or hut. During this holiday, Jews are instructed to constructry structure in which to eat their meals, entertain guests, relax, and even sleep. The sukkah is reminiscent of the type of huts in which the ancient Israelites dwelt during their 40 years of wandering in the desert after the Exodus from Egypt, and is intended to reflect God's benevolence in providing for all the Jews' needs in the desert.

The sukka is a temporary building used for meals throughout the holiday. It can be built of any materials, but its roof must be of organic material and partially open to the sky. The decor of the interior of the sukkah may range from totally unornamented to lavishly decorated. [from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sukkot]