Succot in Israel: Succahs, Cities and Celebration

There is something uniquely beautiful about being in Israel during Succot. Everywhere you look, there are succahs – on balconies, outside restaurants, in hotel courtyards, along streets and tucked into gardens. Each Succah is decorated in its own way, each one telling its own little story. For a week, the landscape of Israel seems to change, as temporary homes appear everywhere and people step outside their everyday routines to celebrate.

We returned from Israel yesterday having spent Succot there. We travelled around visiting some of Israel’s most special places, including Tel Aviv, Tzfat and Jerusalem.

In Tel Aviv, the energy of the city was unmistakable. Among the busy streets and modern buildings were Succahs filled with families, friends, meals and laughter. It was a wonderful reminder that even in a city that is so contemporary and cosmopolitan, Jewish tradition is very much alive. Whilst in Tel Aviv we visited Hostage Square, a place that had become so familiar to all of us through the years of the hostage crisis. I was the lead on the Board of Deputies Adopt a Hostage campaign and I felt I knew all the hostage personally. We went to Hostage Square last year days before all the hostages came home. This year we went to see what was left of the Square and the memorials that remained there. We remembered the 251 people who were taken hostage on 7 October and the families who had spent so long waiting and campaigning for their loved ones. Even though much had changed, the sense of loss, longing and determination remained, making the visit a very poignant reminder of the human cost of 7 October. Whilst in Tel Aviv we also visited the vibrant Carmel Market.

We visited the city of Tzfat, one of the most spiritual and atmospheric cities in Israel. The old stone streets, the beautiful views and the many Succahs made it feel almost magical, although I was saddened to see a bomb shelter on almost every street corner but understood the necessity and need for them, with Tzfat being so close to the northern border of Israel. We attended, and enjoyed, the Music and Arts Festival in Tzfat, organised by a fellow Mancunian. There was something especially meaningful about being in Tzfat during Succot, in a place so closely associated with Jewish mysticism and tradition.

No visit to Israel is complete without a visit to Jerusalem where we spent time with family and friends, as well as visiting and praying at the Western Wall. I have never seen the Kotel so busy!

After the intensity and beauty of Succot, we joined with many locals for one more celebration. The joy of Succot and Simchat Torah was still in the air, and we weren’t ready for the dancing to end so we joined Hakafot Shniyot and we did dance again. The Torah was held high, the music played, people joined hands, and we all danced together. There was no sense of being tired or that the holidays were coming to an end. There was simply music, movement, friendship and happiness.

Our time in Israel during Succot was not just about the places we visited, but the feeling of being surrounded by Jewish life. There were Succahs everywhere, families gathered together and people welcomed one another.

We were in Israel during Succot 2023, and returning to Israel for Succot is always extra special. To be back in Israel for Succot brings back many memories of that frightening time, but also a sense of resilience and hope. Succot is a festival of temporary dwellings, vulnerability and faith, and being there again reminded us of how much Israel and its people have endured. We were able to celebrate, visit family and friends and experience the warmth and spirit of the country. It was a different Succot from 2023, but being back celebrating was important.

As we boarded the plane to leave Israel on Monday morning, I felt as though I had left a little piece of my heart behind. Somehow, every time we visit, it becomes harder to say goodbye and leave Israel.

Until next time…

Am Yisrael Chai!