Samaritans Celebrate Sukkot With Unique Indoor Sukkah Tradition
Translated & summarized from NEWSru Israel by baba
The Samaritan community is celebrating Sukkot with a unique tradition of building their sukkah inside their homes, decorated with hundreds of kilograms of fruit. This practice, originating from historical persecution, is now a core part of their religious culture. The community, numbering around 850 people, lives primarily in Holon and on Mount Gerizim, which they visit during the holiday. Leftover fruits are preserved or donated.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Samaritans celebrate Sukkot with a unique tradition of building their sukkah indoors.
- The indoor sukkah is decorated with up to 300 kilograms of fruits arranged in geometric patterns.
- The Samaritan community numbers approximately 850 people and has ancient Israelite origins.
- The indoor sukkah tradition began centuries ago due to persecution and vandalism.
- Most Samaritans live in Holon and Kiryat Luza on Mount Gerizim, their holiest site.
- Fruits from the sukkah are preserved for winter or donated to charity.
The Samaritan community is observing the Sukkot holiday according to their own calendar, featuring a distinctive tradition of building their sukkah inside their homes. This indoor sukkah, constructed from palm branches and metal mesh in the center of the living room, is elaborately decorated with up to 300 kilograms of fruits like pomegranates, citrus, apples, and grapes. These fruits are arranged in intricate geometric patterns, resembling colorful carpets hanging from the ceiling.
The Samaritans, a small ethno-religious group of about 850 people, trace their lineage to the ancient Israelite tribes of Ephraim, Manasseh, and Levites. They adhere to a Samaritan version of the Torah and maintain distinct religious practices. Genetic studies indicate a close relationship with Middle Eastern Jewish populations and shared ancestry with ancient Israelites, though their maternal lines show some admixture from the region's local populations over time.
According to community representatives, the tradition of placing the sukkah indoors originated centuries ago as a protective measure against persecution and vandalism from neighbors. This practice has since become an integral part of their religious culture.
Today, the majority of Samaritans reside in two main locations: Neve Pinchas in Holon and the village of Kiryat Luza on Mount Gerizim near Nablus. During Sukkot, they undertake a pilgrimage to Mount Gerizim, which they consider their holiest site. Following the holiday, the fruit decorations are not discarded; most are processed into juices, jams, and preserves for winter, while some are donated to charity. Samaritan homes are traditionally open to guests during the festival.