The Jewish festival of dwelling in temporary shelters is called Sukkot. Its name comes from sukkah, the singular Hebrew term for a temporary hut or booth.
Sukkot begins on 15 Tishrei, five days after Yom Kippur. During the festival, families traditionally eat meals in a sukkah, and some sleep there when weather and local custom permit. The structure recalls the shelters used by the Israelites during their journey after the Exodus and also connects with the ancient agricultural harvest.
Another central ritual involves the arba minim, or Four Species: the etrog, lulav, hadass, and aravah. These are traditionally held and waved during prayers. The lulav is a bundle of palm, myrtle, and willow branches; the etrog is a citrus fruit.
Sukkot is sometimes confused with a permanent outdoor room. A sukkah must be temporary and have a roof made from plant material, called s’chach, while still providing enough shade for the ritual structure.