If Rosh Hashanah sets our intentions, Sukkot invites us to live them outside, together, under open skies. This weeklong festival of harvest and hospitality calls us to slow down, be present, and create something beautiful from what we already have.
Sukkot is a land-centered holiday, celebrating the harvest and our deep connection to the earth. It reminds us that Jewish life has always been rooted in the land of Israel, where this festival began as a way to give thanks for abundance and to honor the natural cycles of growth. As part of this connection, we wave four native species—the palm, myrtle, willow, and citron—to the six directions of the wind, symbolizing harmony with nature and gratitude for the world around us.
Across the HMI community, couples are finding creative ways to bring Sukkot to life. Many are decorating balconies, backyards, and patios, hosting meals under the stars, or gathering friends for moments of joy and reflection.
One couple in Colorado built two sukkahs using their backyard pergolas, decorating with colorful tapestries and inviting friends for dinner, crafts, and laughter. They celebrated Havdalah together, marking the transition from Shabbat to the new week. For one guest, it was their very first time experiencing Havdalah—a moment that captured the essence of Sukkot: community, connection, and shared celebration.
Need a little inspiration? Use our Sukkot Celebration Guide to explore ideas for creating your own meaningful experience.
Bring the Outdoors In
If you can’t build a sukkah this year, or don’t have outdoor space fora sukkah, try one of these simple ways to bring the holiday’s spirit into your home:
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Host a dinner by candlelight with hanging greens indoors
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Take a nature walk with your kids or partner and talk about change and renewal
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Enjoy one meal outside, even if it’s just on your front steps
- Channel your inner child and build an indoor fort with blankets and pillow and whatever else you have available
Sukkot invites us to notice what’s around us—the air, the light, the people we share it with—and to celebrate the beauty of impermanence.
Share Your Sukkah Snapshots
We’d love to see what you create! Tag @honeymoonisrael to share your sukkah, your nature-inspired rituals, or your favorite harvest moment.
