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Carrying Camp into the Fall Festivals: Sukkot, Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah

As we approach the eight-day observance of Sukkot, Shemini Atzeret, and Simchat Torah, we enter a season filled with gathering, celebration, and renewal. This year, these holidays also mark three years since October 7, 2023, a time that changed our Jewish community and our connection to Israel forever. In the midst of all that we have experienced, we are reminded of Rachel Goldberg-Polin’s words: “There are days when there is a whisper of sun. Not out there in the sky. In Me. In Us.” Perhaps that is what these holidays ask of us: to find and create those moments of light, in our families, in our communities, and in our Jewish lives. May our celebrations this year be a reminder that even in difficult times, we can gather together, find joy, and bring more light into the world.

‍Here’s a brief guide to these holidays:

  1. Sukkot - Starting the Celebration 🍂

Sukkot begins at sundown on Friday, September 25. Named after the booths (sukkot) used by the Israelites in the desert and during the fall harvest, we dine and even sleep in the sukkah. Along with Pesach and Shavuot, it is a major pilgrimage festival.

  1. Shemini Atzeret - Extending the Joy 🌟

On the eighth day of Sukkot, beginning Friday evening, October 2, we celebrate Shemini Atzeret. Traditionally, it extends the holiday celebration, adding an extra day to Sukkot. In Israel and for Reform Jews outside of Israel, Shemini Atzeret is combined with Simchat Torah. However, for traditional Jews outside of Israel, the two are celebrated separately, making the holiday last an extra day.

  1. Simchat Torah - A Celebration of Renewal 📜

Simchat Torah is the conclusion and immediate restart of the Torah reading cycle.  Depending on custom, it begins either on Friday evening, October 2, or Saturday evening, October 3.

Why the mention of “outside of Israel?”

Ever wonder why customs differ “outside of Israel”? It’s due to the diaspora tradition of adding an extra day for certain holidays. Here’s a detailed explanation of why Jews outside of Israel observe some holidays for an extra day.

‍Customs of these fall festivals 🍁

  1. The first two days of Sukkot are “holy days,” traditionally observed without work, driving, or using electricity, a great chance to unplug, just like at camp.
  1. Many Jews build a Sukkah, giving them a place to eat and even to sleep during the holiday. It’s traditional to welcome guests (hachnasat orchim), and share meals in the Sukkah.
  1. We shake the Lulav and Etrog.  Learn more about how and why here.
  1. We dip our challah in honey.
  1. Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah are observed in a similar way to Sukkot’s first two days - another great time to disconnect!
  1. Simchat Torah is celebrated with singing and dancing with the Torah!

‍Holiday Greetings

The customary greeting for these holidays is “Chag Sameach,” meaning “Happy Holiday.”

Crafting Memories with Family

  • Sukkah Craft:  If you can’t build a full-size Sukkah, get crafty with a model Sukkah. Key rules:  at least 2.5 sides, organic material for the roof (s’chach), and a view of the stars. Learn more here. Also, learn about an amazing Sukkah building competition.
  • Lego Fun: Watch this short Lego Sukkot movie with your family to learn about the holiday.
  • Embrace Symbolism:  Pick up a Lulav and Etrog (contact any Rabbi or visit a Sukkah Mobile). Check this out to learn about the significance of shaking the Lulav and Etrog.
  • Dive into Torah studies: Reflect on Gemilut Chasadim (acts of loving kindness) and the concept of building a Kehillah Kedoshah (sacred community), just like we do at Beber Camp. Try this Torah-based activity to spark discussion.
  • Dance with Joy: Simchat Torah is a time for dancing! Check out this Beber Camp teaching video of Golden Boy and dance away!

Carrying Camp Into the Fall Festivals 🍂

Sukkot, Shemini Atzeret, and Simchat Torah each invite us to gather, celebrate, reflect, and begin again. Those ideas feel very familiar at Beber, where we spent Summer 2026 building community, celebrating Jewish life, learning together, and creating memories that stay with us long after we leave camp. As we move into the fall, we invite you to carry a little bit of Beber with you, the joy of being together, the courage to begin again, and the sense of belonging that makes our community so special.

Wishing you all a Chag Sameach!

The Beber Team

Michael, Debbie, Stacy, Julia, Trudy, Harrell, Morgan, and Nancy