The Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot) is the third and final major pilgrimage festival, during which all of Israel traditionally journeyed to the Temple to celebrate. It takes place in the autumn and is a harvest festival. This year it begins on the evening of October 6th and ends on October 13th.
By Dr. Tobias Krämer
In ancient Israel, the first fruits of the harvest from all over the land were brought to the Temple in Jerusalem on decorated wagons – accompanied by jubilation and gratitude. The joyful character of the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot) is rooted in the Bible
“When the grain harvest and the grape harvest are in, you shall celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles for seven days. Celebrate it as a festival of gladness with your sons and daughters, your male and female slaves, the Levites in your towns, the foreigners residing among you, the orphans, and the widows.” (Deuteronomy 16:13-17)
The most striking feature of Sukkot is the sukkah (plural sukkot). In ancient Israel, these sukkahs served as shelters and shady places to rest during harvest time. Sometimes people even slept in them so they could continue harvesting early the next morning. The sukkah also evokes memories of the Israelites' wanderings in the desert, when they lived in tents and were entirely dependent on God's protection and provision. A characteristic feature of the sukkah is its permeable roof made of palm fronds. During the day, it offers protection from the scorching sun; at night, it allows a view of the distant starry sky, the dwelling place of God. Thus, the Feast of Tabernacles blends the joy of the harvest, the remembrance of God's protection, and the longing for God in the here and now.
Simple on the outside, festive on the inside
The Feast of Tabernacles is celebrated by spending as much time as possible in the sukkah throughout the week, not just for feasting and prayer. The sukkah is erected in the front yard or on the balcony. Public buildings such as hotels or town halls set up a large sukkah in the courtyard or plaza, where receptions and events are also held. Outwardly, the sukkah is an unsightly jumble of boards, cardboard, or canvas; this serves as a reminder of the transience of human life. However, upon entering, one is overwhelmed by the rich decorations and loving adornments, which symbolize joy, gratitude, and festivity.
Christians see the three major pilgrimage festivals—Passover, Shavuot, and Sukkot—as a reference to Jesus Christ. Passover represents the redemption through the cross and resurrection of Jesus, Shavuot (Pentecost) represents the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, and Sukkot represents Jesus' return. When Jesus returns, he will extend his Messianic kingdom of peace throughout the world. Then the nations will come to Jerusalem to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles with Israel (Zechariah 14:6). Israel and the nations will together praise the God of Israel. What a prospect!
