Each fall, Jewish families around the world gather to celebrate Sukkot, a biblical holiday rich in symbolism, joy, and spiritual importance. Known in the Bible as the Feast of Tabernacles, Sukkot commemorates the Israelites’ journey through the wilderness after the Exodus from Egypt. The holiday is a time for the Jewish people to remember God’s provision during times of hardship, while rejoicing in their community.

Sukkot begins on the 15th of Tishrei, five days after Yom Kippur, and lasts for seven days in Israel (and eight days in the Diaspora). It is one of the three pilgrimage festivals mentioned in the Bible, when ancient Israelites would travel to Jerusalem to worship at the Holy Temple.

At its heart, Sukkot is about trusting in God’s protection. During the holiday, Jews build and dwell in a sukkah—a temporary hut with a roof made of natural materials like palm fronds or bamboo. The sukkah recalls the fragile shelters used by the Israelites during their 40 years in the desert. It’s a physical reminder that true security comes not from walls or roofs, but from God.

But Yael Eckstein points out that it’s more than just a physical symbol. “The sukkah is the place that we remember how vulnerable we are,” she says. “Through the roof of our sukkah, we can even see the stars. But it serves as a reminder that it’s our Father in heaven who is our true protector.”

So, Sukkot is a spiritual time filled with rich biblical symbolism. One of the most distinctive rituals is the waving of the Four Species, described in Leviticus 23:40: “On the first day you are to take branches from luxuriant trees—from palms, willows, and other leafy trees—and rejoice before the Lord your God for seven days.”

These four species include: the Lulav (a palm frond), Hadas (myrtle branches), Aravah (willow branches), and the Etrog (a citron fruit, similar to a lemon). Together, they represent unity, like different types of people coming together in worship. As Yael explains, “The four species coming together represent what God wants from us, to come together as one.”

Families also decorate their sukkahs with handmade art, colorful streamers, and symbols of harvest. Yael’s children, like many kids across Israel, contribute their own decorations, making the sukkah not just a shelter, but a home. “We all do something to make it beautiful,” she explained. “And then when we sit in the hut for seven days, there’s a piece of each one of us there.”

Sukkot is also called “the season of our joy.” After the solemn introspection of Yom Kippur, the Feast of Tabernacles bursts forth with celebration. Meals are shared in the sukkah, songs are sung, and blessings are recited. It is a time to rejoice in God’s goodness and reflect on the abundance of the harvest.

This joyous season is not one of superficial joy, though. The joy of Sukkot is rooted in faith. The sukkah’s open roof reminds worshippers of life’s fragility. The temporary walls echo the impermanence of material things. And yet, in that vulnerability, there is joy—because God’s presence is constant.

Yael touches on this, remembering “the Israelites traveling in the desert and how God protected them. And that’s the message to internalize today: God continues to protect us, God continues to watch over us. No matter where we are, God is with us.”

On Oct. 7, 2023, on Simchat Torah (which is the holiday immediately following the end of Sukkot), Israel was struck by the deadliest terror attack in its history. Hamas terrorists infiltrated southern Israel, murdering over 1,200 civilians, including children, elderly, and entire families. Families sat in their sukkahs as rockets fell, sirens blared, and lives were lost. The attacks targeted homes, kibbutz farming communities, and even festivalgoers at a peace concert near the Gaza border.

For many Jewish families, the sukkah—meant to be a place of joy and remembrance—became a place of fear and mourning. The vulnerability symbolized by the sukkah became an upsetting reality. In the days that followed, stories emerged of families hiding in their sukkahs, praying for safety. Others fled their homes entirely. The contrast between the spiritual message of Sukkot and the violence of that week was devastating.

Since that day, Israelis have continued to observe Sukkot. They light candles, recite blessings, and wave the Four Species—even in bomb shelters. The Jewish people’s resilience is a testament to the enduring power of faith.

In the days after the Oct. 7 attacks, Yael and the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews responded swiftly. The Fellowship provided emergency aid, food, and shelter to families displaced by the attacks. Volunteers delivered supplies to soldiers and civilians alike, embodying the biblical command to “rescue the weak and needy” (Psalm 82:4). In a time of sorrow, the Fellowship acted as a source of light—reminding both Jews and Christians that compassion, unity, and prayer can overcome even the darkest moments.

For Christian supporters of Israel, Sukkot offers a profound opportunity to connect with the biblical roots of their faith. The holiday is mentioned throughout Scripture and was observed by Jesus himself:

• Zechariah 14:16: “Then the survivors from all the nations… will go up year after year to worship the King, the Lord Almighty, and to celebrate the Festival of Tabernacles.”
• John 7:2, 37–38: “On the last and greatest day of the festival, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, ‘Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink.’” (This passage refers to Sukkot, known as the Feast of Tabernacles.)

Sukkot’s themes (trust in God, joy in adversity, and unity among people) resonate deeply with Christian teachings. The holiday offers all people of faith an opportunity to reflect on God’s provision, to celebrate His presence, and to stand in solidarity with those who are suffering.

And despite the hardships still faced by the people of Israel, Sukkot remains a joyful occasion. It teaches that even in the wilderness—literal or spiritual—God is near. It reminds us that true shelter comes not from walls, but from faith. And it calls us to respond with compassion when others are vulnerable. For Christian friends of Israel, this is a moment to learn, to pray, and to act. Whether through understanding the holiday’s meaning or supporting those affected by tragedy, your friendship, faith, and support make a difference.

Robin Van Etten is a seasoned nonprofit professional with 25 years of experience in direct response marketing and fundraising. She is currently the US CEO and Global Chief Operating Officer at the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, a nonprofit humanitarian organization serving the needs of the Jewish population around the world. In 2025, she was named a Notable Leader in Philanthropy by Crain's Chicago Business.