What Is Sixth Day of Sukkot?
The Sixth Day of Sukkot marks an intermediate period within the seven-day Jewish festival known as Sukkot. This festival, also referred to as the Festival of Booths or Tabernacles, commemorates the period when the Israelites dwelled in temporary shelters during their forty-year journey in the desert after the Exodus from Egypt. It also has roots as an agricultural harvest festival, celebrating the gathering of the year’s produce.
On the Sixth Day, Jewish communities continue the central observances of Sukkot. These include dwelling in the ‘sukkah’ (a temporary booth) and performing the ritual of the ‘Arba Minim’ (Four Species). As an intermediate day, it carries a unique status: it is less restrictive than the initial days of the festival but still retains a festive atmosphere distinct from ordinary weekdays.
History and Origins of Sixth Day of Sukkot
The origins of Sukkot, and consequently its intermediate days like the Sixth, are found in the Torah. The book of Leviticus (23:34-43) commands the observance of Sukkot, stating: “On the fifteenth day of the seventh month, when you gather in the produce of the land, you shall celebrate the festival of the Lord for seven days… You shall dwell in booths for seven days; all citizens in Israel shall dwell in booths, so that your generations may know that I made the children of Israel dwell in booths when I brought them out of the land of Egypt.”
Historically, Sukkot served a dual purpose. Agriculturally, it marked the final harvest of the year, particularly of grapes, olives, and other late produce. Farmers would traditionally live in temporary shelters in their fields during this busy period. Spiritually, it recalls the divine protection afforded to the Israelites during their wilderness wanderings, when temporary dwellings were their homes. The intermediate days, known as ‘Chol HaMoed’, evolved to allow for some engagement in necessary work, distinguishing them from the full sanctity of the first and last days of the festival, yet still upholding the core holiday precepts.
How Sixth Day of Sukkot Is Celebrated
The observance of the Sixth Day of Sukkot primarily focuses on maintaining the core rituals of the festival. The central commandment is to dwell in the ‘sukkah’, a temporary outdoor hut with a roof made of natural materials like branches or leaves. On this day, families continue to eat all their meals in the sukkah, and many sleep there, weather permitting. The sukkah is often decorated, becoming a focal point for family gatherings and hospitality.
Observances in Jewish Communities
Throughout Jewish communities globally, the daily ritual of the ‘Arba Minim’ (Four Species) is performed. This involves holding together an ‘etrog’ (citron), a ‘lulav’ (palm frond), three ‘hadassim’ (myrtle branches), and two ‘aravot’ (willow branches). These are waved in six directions—east, south, west, north, up, and down—during morning prayers, accompanied by blessings. This act symbolises unity and the acknowledgement of divine presence throughout the world.
While the first two days of Sukkot (and the last day, Shemini Atzeret/Simchat Torah) are full holidays where most forms of work are prohibited, the Sixth Day falls under ‘Chol HaMoed’, the intermediate days. This means that while non-essential work is generally avoided, and the festive spirit is maintained, certain forms of labour that would be forbidden on a full holiday are permitted. Many people use these days for family outings, visiting other sukkahs, or enjoying leisure activities, often concluding with special evening meals in the sukkah. In Israel, schools are generally closed, and many people take holiday time during Chol HaMoed.
When Is Sixth Day of Sukkot?
The Sixth Day of Sukkot is part of a festival that begins on the 15th day of the Hebrew month of Tishrei. Given that Sukkot lasts for seven days, the Sixth Day consequently falls on the 20th day of Tishrei.
The Hebrew calendar is a lunisolar calendar, meaning its dates shift relative to the Gregorian calendar each year. As such, the Sixth Day of Sukkot does not have a fixed date in September or October. It typically occurs in late September or early October. For example, if Sukkot begins on the evening of 15 Tishrei, the Sixth Day will be observed from sunset on 19 Tishrei until nightfall on 20 Tishrei.
Sixth Day of Sukkot Key Facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Type | Religious Observance |
| Date | 20th of Tishrei (variable on Gregorian calendar) |
| Countries | Observed globally by Jewish communities, with specific significance in Israel |
| Also known as | Part of Chol HaMoed Sukkot |
| Calendar system | Hebrew (Jewish) Calendar |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Sixth Day of Sukkot?
The Sixth Day of Sukkot is one of the "Chol HaMoed" or intermediate days of the Sukkot festival. During this period, most traditional work is permitted, but the focus remains on observing the core commandments of Sukkot, such as dwelling in the sukkah and performing the waving of the Four Species.
Is the Sixth Day of Sukkot a public holiday?
In most countries, including Israel, the Sixth Day of Sukkot is not a public holiday. The first and eighth (Shemini Atzeret/Simchat Torah) days of Sukkot are considered full holidays where work is prohibited. The intermediate days are semi-festive, allowing for a balance between normal life and holiday observance.
How is the Sixth Day of Sukkot typically observed?
Observance on the Sixth Day of Sukkot primarily involves continuing the practices established on the first day. This includes eating meals and, if feasible, sleeping in the sukkah (temporary booth), as well as performing the ritual of waving the Four Species (lulav, etrog, hadassim, aravot) during daily morning prayers.