Ancient Observance
Ancient Sukkot was a pilgrimage and harvest festival. Worshipers came to Jerusalem to rejoice before God and give thanks for the produce of the land.
The Torah commanded the people to dwell in booths during the festival. It also instructed them to take branches and fruit and rejoice before God.
During the Temple period, many sacrifices were offered throughout the seven days. Pilgrims filled Jerusalem, and the festival became known for its extraordinary joy.
By the Second Temple period, worshipers used four kinds of plants during the celebration. These became known as the Four Species: palm, myrtle, willow and the etrog or citron.
A special water ceremony also took place. Water was drawn from the Pool of Siloam and carried to the Temple, where it was poured at the altar. This became part of a great celebration connected with prayers for rain.
Nighttime festivities included enormous lamps in the Temple courts. Music and celebration continued as worshipers rejoiced during the festival.