1. The Beginning of Sukkos and Its Joy
The first day of Sukkos this year falls on Thursday, the 15th of Tishrei, but as with all Jewish holidays, Sukkos begins the previous night—Wednesday night—since in the Jewish calendar, the night precedes the day. The holiday officially starts when the stars come out, and at Maariv—the evening prayer—we recite the special Yom Tov prayers found in the Siddur for festivals.
A central theme of every holiday is rejoicing, as the Torah commands: V'samachta b'chagecha—“You shall rejoice in your festival.” This joy is expressed in various ways: by drinking wine, eating meat (in Temple times, from the korban—sacrifice), and generally being happy. Sukkos has a unique joy associated with it due to a special Temple service: water libations (Nisuch HaMayim) on the altar. All year round, only wine and oil were poured as libations with sacrifices, but on Sukkos, water was also poured. This practice is hinted at in the Torah through extra letters spelling out “mayim” (water) in the section discussing Sukkos sacrifices.
This water-drawing ceremony was performed with great joy, as described by the verse U'shavtem mayim b'sason—“You shall draw water with joy.” The Talmud describes unparalleled celebration during this event: dancing, singing, and festivities that lasted all night. There is some discussion about whether this special celebration (Simchas Beis HaSho'eivah) began on the first or second night of Sukkos due to construction restrictions on Yom Tov itself. However, it is accepted that both the general Yom Tov joy and this special joy begin immediately on the first night of Sukkos.
2. Simchas Beis HaSho'eivah: Traditions and Outreach
The tradition is to celebrate Simchas Beis HaSho'eivah beginning Wednesday night—the first night of Sukkos—with song, dance, stories, words of Torah, and Chassidic gatherings in the sukkah. This custom is rooted in Chabad tradition and has been adapted for English-speaking communities while retaining its core elements.
There are halachic discussions regarding clapping and dancing on Yom Tov due to concerns raised in the Talmud. Nevertheless, Chabad tradition permits both clapping and dancing not only during Chol HaMoed, but even on Yom Tov itself. The Rebbe encouraged spreading this joy beyond one's own community by visiting other shuls or even traveling to other cities during Chol HaMoed to share in these celebrations.
A notable outreach practice called Tahalucha—a walk to different neighborhoods—was undertaken even in inclement weather to bring joy to others. Since 5741 (1980), public celebrations have been held outdoors with streets closed off for music and dancing throughout Crown Heights every night of Chol HaMoed Sukkos. These events are reminiscent of Temple times and are considered a valuable experience for all ages.
3. Kiddush and Blessings in the Sukkah
The Kiddush for Yom Tov begins with a passage called Askinu Seudasa, which prepares us for the festive meal according to Kabbalistic traditions. On Yom Tov we recite Borei Pri Hagafen—the blessing over wine—followed by Kiddush proper (Asher Bachar Banu). On Sukkos there is an additional mitzvah: eating in the sukkah itself. Therefore, after Kiddush we also say Asher kidshanu b'mitzvosav v'tzivanu leishev basukkah—“Who has sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us to dwell in the sukkah.”
The blessing of Shehecheyanu, thanking Hashem for reaching this occasion, is also recited at Kiddush on both nights of Yom Tov (in Chutz LaAretz). On Sukkos specifically, this blessing covers three things: (1) arrival at the festival itself, (2) performing the mitzvah of sukkah (dwelling/eating), and (3) possibly even building or preparing the sukkah. It is important that both those making Kiddush and those listening have these intentions in mind.
The order of blessings differs between nights: On the first night we say leishev basukkah before Shehecheyanu; on the second night we reverse them due to halachic considerations stemming from ancient calendrical doubts about which day was truly Yom Tov.
4. Customs Regarding Blessings and Eating in the Sukkah
The Rebbe had a custom to look at the s'chach before saying leishev basukkah, reflecting on Hashem’s miracles during our journey from Egypt when He protected us with clouds or huts from harsh elements.
An additional custom throughout Sukkos is dipping challah into honey at meals—a continuation from Rosh Hashanah through Hoshana Rabbah as a sign for a sweet year since final judgment extends until then. We also continue reciting Psalm 27 (L'Dovid Hashem Ori) through Hoshana Rabbah.
If one forgot to say Shehecheyanu, it can be recited any time during Yom Tov upon remembering. Women are technically exempt from time-bound mitzvos like sukkah but may choose to eat there anyway; if so they do make their own blessing of leishev basukkah. If a woman did not make Shehecheyanu when lighting candles or otherwise missed it, she should say it when eating in the sukkah.
The minimum obligation is to eat a kezayis—a piece of bread at least olive-sized—in the sukkah on both nights (and especially if it rains). Even if rain prevents continuing one’s meal there, one should still make Kiddush and eat a kezayis before finishing indoors. If rain stops mid-meal before benching (Birkas Hamazon) one should return to eat another kezayis before benching in the sukkah.
5. Chabad Traditions Regarding Rain and Sleeping in the Sukkah
The general halacha exempts one who experiences discomfort (mitzta'er) from remaining in a rainy sukkah except for eating a kezayis on the first night. However, Chabad custom is more stringent: regardless of rain or discomfort (except where snow disqualifies a sukkah), one remains inside for meals throughout all days of Sukkos.
This stringency extends even though Shulchan Aruch criticizes those who remain unnecessarily when exempted by discomfort. Nevertheless, Chabad persists based on longstanding tradition observed by generations of Rebbeim who would make Kiddush and eat even under heavy rain without hesitation or complaint.
Those who are meticulous do not drink even water outside the sukkah (though leishev basukkah is said only when eating more than a kebeitzah of bread or mezonos). Chabad custom, on the other hand, is not to sleep in the sukkah at all. This practice stems from deep respect for its holiness—sleeping implies loss of awareness before Hashem’s presence which would be disrespectful according to mystical teachings embraced by Chabad leaders.
6. Laws About Eating and Blessings Inside Another’s Sukkah
If visiting someone else’s sukkah simply for socializing (l'tayel b'alma—just hanging out or promenading), technically one should make a blessing if establishing oneself there as more than just passing through—usually accomplished by eating bread or mezonos (grain-based foods). Fruits or snacks do not suffice for making leishev basukkah. Thus hosts traditionally offer guests more than a kebeitzah of cake or similar foods so they can fulfill both eating and making this special annual blessing themselves rather than relying solely on hearing it from another person.
Kissing the sukkah upon entry/exit is practiced by some communities but not part of Chabad custom. A mezuzah is not affixed since a sukkah is temporary by definition—its very impermanence symbolizes our reliance on Hashem’s protection rather than physical security provided by permanent homes.
7. Ushpizin—Welcoming Spiritual Guests
A beloved custom during Sukkos involves welcoming spiritual guests known as Ushpizin (Aramaic for “guests”) each night into our sukkahs—beginning with Avraham Avinu on day one according to Kabbalah/Zoharic tradition. In Chabad there are parallel “Chassidic Ushpizin,” starting with the Baal Shem Tov corresponding to Avraham Avinu—each representing unique spiritual qualities discussed extensively by the Rebbeim over generations.
Sukkos prayers include adding Yaaleh Veyavo both during benching after meals (Birkas Hamazon)—where if omitted accidentally before starting Hatov V'hameitiv, one inserts an extra blessing—and throughout all Amidahs during Sukkos services.
8. Lulav & Esrog: Preparation and Performance
The mitzvah of taking lulav and esrog begins early each morning after hand washing—ideally after immersion (mikveh)—and preferably performed inside a sukkah before davening (tefillah). If raining one should wait if possible so as to perform it inside a dry sukkah rather than indoors unless necessary.
If sharing lulav/esrog sets among family/friends each person must legally acquire ownership—even temporarily—for their own mitzvah performance (a gift conditional upon return). The lulav goes into your right hand (unless left-handed), esrog into your left hand—with spine facing you—and only after reciting blessings do you join them together upright (top/pitam up).
The first time each year you perform this mitzvah you add Shehecheyanu after picking up esrog but before joining them together fully—the connection occurs as you finish saying Shehecheyanu so that all blessings coincide with actual fulfillment.
The shaking movements (naanuim) follow specific directions: southeast/right (hodu), northeast/left (ki), east/forward (tov), up (ki), down (l'olam), west/back (chasdo)—with three shakes per direction returning always back toward your chest between movements.
The phrase netilas lulav (taking the lulav) parallels netilas yadayim (hand washing), though the meanings differ—the former refers literally to taking/holding, while the latter is also connected to the vessel used for washing (natla).
9. Hallel & Hoshanos During Davening
The full Hallel prayer is recited every morning throughout all days of Sukkos including Shemini Atzeres/Simchas Torah—with blessings said whether praying alone or with minyan.
During Hallel we hold only lulav until naanuim sections where esrog joins briefly.
Naanuim are performed four times during Hallel:
(1) At Hodu Lashem ki tov ki l'olam chasdo;
(2–3) Twice at Ana Hashem hoshia na;
(4) At the first of the two Hodu Lashem ki tov ki l'olam chasdo verses at the end of Hallel.
Each movement corresponds sequentially with words except “Hashem,” where no movement occurs.
When two consecutive “Ana Hashem” occur the Rebbe would pause briefly between them so they remain distinct actions.
If someone was unable to take the lulav before davening, he says the bracha over it in shul before Hallel, and at Ana Hashem hoshia na he shakes only once.
After Hallel comes Hoshanos—circling the bimah once daily holding the four species while reciting prayers alphabetically arranged (Hoshanos). Those without their own set may borrow after others finish circling.
A mourner within the twelve months for a parent, or one whose bereavement occurred during the festival, does not circle; he should give his four species to someone who has none, so that person can circle.
On Shabbos neither lulav nor Hoshanos are performed—instead double Hoshanos are done Sunday following Shabbos missed ones.
To keep hadasim/aravos fresh wrap them airtight out of airflow with minimal moisture—not too wet lest they wilt prematurely—and store appropriately between uses.