Sukkot begins on the 15th of Tishrei. It follows five days after Yom Kippur. It is quite a drastic transition, from one of the most solemn holidays in our year to one of the most joyous.
The holiday has many names.

Sukkot means booth or tabernacle. Part of our celebration of the holiday is to build a booth, a Sukkah. This is why the holiday is called the festival of booths.

Sukkot is so joyful that it is commonly referred to as Z'man Simchateinu, the “Season of our Rejoicing”

Much of the imagery and ritual of the holiday revolves around rejoicing and gratitude for the completed harvest. The festival is also called hag ha-asif, “The Harvest Festival.”

In addition to eating and enjoying time in a Sukkah, observance during Sukkot involves what are known as the Four Species (arba minim in Hebrew) or the lulav and etrog. We are commanded to take these four plants and use them to "rejoice before the L-rd." The four species are an etrog (a citrus fruit similar to a lemon native to Israel; in English it is called a citron), a palm branch (in Hebrew, lulav), two willow branches (aravot), and three myrtle branches (hadassim). The six branches are bound together with dried palm leaves, the willow positioned on the left, the palm in the middle, and the myrtle on the right. They are referred to collectively as the lulav, because the palm branch is by far the largest part. The etrog is held separately. When you purchase a lulav and etrog (usually through your synagogue or a local Jewish Community Center), With these four species in hand, one recites a blessing and waves the species in all six directions (east, south, west, north, up and down).

Join us at the JCC for these fun Sukkot events:

Family Sukkot on the Farm

Bring all the generations of your family to Milk & Honey Farm to celebrate the harvest festival of Sukkot. Spend time in the sukkah, shake the lulav, feed the animals, taste our farm's bounty, and participate in other seasonal farm activities.

Advance registration is required. One person per household should register for the whole family.
This program is geared toward children 0-10 and their caregivers.

Sunday, October 9 | 10 - 11:30 am | $40 for families of up to 6 people | $54 for families of over 6 people

Nosh & Network in the Sukkah

Please join us for a night of networking at the Boulder JCC as we celebrate Sukkot. Meet and mingle with other professionals and enjoy light appetizers outdoors in our Sukkah

Tuesday, October 11 | 5 - 6:30 pm | $12 in advance/$16 at the door

New(ish) to Boulder Bagel Tasting in the Sukkah

What is your favorite bagel in Boulder County? That is one of the most popular New(ish) to Boulder questions! Join us in the Boulder JCC Sukkah as we put local bagels to the test, shmooze, and celebrate Sukkot together.

Thursday, October 13 | 11:30 am - 1 pm | $15 per person

Teen Sushi in the Sukkah

Join Jewish Culture Club participants for an annual tradition of Sushi in the Sukkah. As it is customary to sit in the Sukkah with friends for a meal, we invite you to join us for games, time with goats, and Happa Sushi! If you are not registered for Club but wish to attend, join us anyway by registering for $10. If you are a high schooler and would like to join Jewish Culture Club, please register ahead of time for the Fall Semester of Jewish Culture Club and attend Sushi in the Sukkah for free!

Thursday, October 13 | 4:30 - 6:30 pm | FREE for Jewish Culture Club participants | $10 for guests

Register for Jewish Culture Club HERE

Women of the J Social in the Sukkah

Celebrate Sukkot with Women of the J! This fun gathering will be in the Boulder JCC Sukkah. Schmooze, see old friends, make new friends, and enjoy treats and drinks.

Tuesday, October 18 | 6 - 8 pm | $25