Sukkot 2026 Dates and Observances Announced

The first day of Sukkot in 2026, corresponding to the 15th of Tishrei, will begin on Friday, September 25th, at sunset, and conclude on Saturday, September 26th, at nightfall. This first day is a Yom Tov, a festival day on which work is prohibited according to Jewish law. Following this, Chol HaMoed Sukkot, the intermediate days of the festival, will commence in Israel and continue until Hoshana Rabbah on October 2nd. The festival will then transition to Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah, celebrated on the same day, the 22nd of Tishrei, from October 2nd to 3rd.

Specific candle-lighting and end-of-Shabbat times for Sukkot 2026 have been provided for major Israeli cities, including Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Haifa, and Beersheba, with sunset on September 25th and nightfall on September 26th marking the festival's start and end. Notably, the first day of Sukkot this year falls on a Saturday. Consequently, the ritual of taking the Four Species (Lulav, Etrog, Hadassim, and Aravot) will not be performed on the first day, as it is a Yom Tov, but rather on subsequent days. This year, the commandment of taking the Four Species is considered 'mi'd'rabanan' (of rabbinic origin) on the days it is performed, allowing for certain leniencies compared to when it is a Torah commandment.

The article further delves into the laws and customs of Sukkot, including the requirement to dwell in the Sukkah, which is likened to one's home. It details when to recite the blessing "Leishev BaSukkah" (to dwell in the Sukkah), generally before eating a meal of bread or mezonot. The digest also covers regulations regarding eating and sleeping in the Sukkah, distinguishing between fixed meals and incidental eating or sleeping, with stricter rules generally applying to sleeping. Historical context is provided, referencing the Talmud and earlier rabbinic authorities like Rabban Yochanan ben Zakkai and Rashi, on the evolution and observance of Sukkot traditions.