SUNSET SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27: Dwelling outdoors becomes a popular goal for Jewish families this week, as the festival of Sukkot begins. From the solemn Yom Kippur just five days ago, Jews enter a joyous period during Sukkot—referred to, even, as Season of our Rejoicing.

The ancient tradition of Sukkot calls Jews to construct and dwell in temporary structures, called sukkahs, in memory of the ancient Israelites’ living quarters during their 40 years in the desert. Agriculturally, Sukkot is a harvest festival and, as such, many sukkahs are decorated with autumn crops. In the U.S., it is not uncommon to see sukkahs decorated with gourds, pumpkins, squash and other foods associated with fall. Traditionally work is halted on the first and second days of Sukkot, with the days in between reserved for relaxation (though work is permitted on these days).

- See more at: http://www.readthespirit.com/religious-holidays-festivals/sukkot-jews-dwell-in-temporary-structures-remembering-ancient-israelites/#sthash.1D8JC4zP.dpuf