This week, Jewish people begin celebrating Sukkot, a joyful seven-day festival

Sukkot marks a week-long Jewish celebration that honors the gathering of the harvest, beginning Monday evening and lasting until Monday, October 13.

Recognized as one of the happiest Jewish festivals, Sukkot uniquely emphasizes joyous celebration while discouraging any public mourning.

Descriptions of these holy days are available here from two of the major branches of U.S. Judaism:

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The Hasidic organization Chabad-Lubavitch

The Union of Reform Judaism

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This year, Sukkot’s first full day lands on October 7, coinciding with the second anniversary of the 2023 attack by Hamas on southern Israel, which resulted in over 1,200 fatalities and 251 people captured.

In light of the Jewish law that prevents public mourning during Sukkot, Jewish leaders and activists in New York City are planning an event known as a Circle of Unity. They aim to gather thousands on the Great Lawn in Central Park for activities such as dancing, praying, and celebrating Jewish strength and life.

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