First Day of Sukkot 2025 in Canada

The First Day of Sukkot is celebrated by Jewish communities across Canada with prayers, festive meals, and gatherings in sukkahs, despite the often chilly autumn weather. Families and synagogues observe the tradition of waving the Four Species, marking the beginning of this joyous harvest festival.

First Day of Sukkot: A Public Holiday?

The First Day of Sukkot is not a public holiday in Canada. Businesses, schools, and government offices remain open, but Jewish communities observe the day with prayers, festive meals, and sukkah gatherings.

First Day of Sukkot

The First Day of Sukkot has been observed in Canada for generations, brought by Jewish immigrants from Europe and the Middle East. As Jewish communities established themselves in cities like Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver, they continued the tradition of building sukkahs and celebrating the harvest festival. Despite Canada's colder autumn climate, Jewish families remained dedicated to the customs of Sukkot, adapting their sukkahs with heaters and weatherproof coverings to maintain tradition.

Synagogues played a key role in keeping Sukkot traditions alive, organizing communal prayers and encouraging the practice of waving the Four Species—the lulav (palm branch), etrog (citron), hadas (myrtle), and aravah (willow). Over time, Sukkot became an important part of Jewish life in Canada, blending ancient customs with the realities of modern life. Today, it remains a cherished festival, bringing families and communities together in celebration and gratitude.

Observance of the First Day of Sukkot in Canada

Jewish communities across Canada celebrate the First Day of Sukkot with synagogue services, festive meals, and gatherings in sukkahs. Families build and decorate sukkahs outside their homes, often using colorful decorations, lights, and natural materials. Many synagogues and community centers set up larger sukkahs for public use, allowing those who do not have space to participate in the tradition. Despite Canada's often cool autumn weather, people enjoy meals and prayers inside these temporary huts, remembering the biblical journey of the Israelites in the desert.

An essential part of the celebration is the waving of the Four Species, a ritual performed in synagogues and at home. This act symbolizes unity and gratitude for nature's blessings. Many Jewish schools and organizations teach children about the meaning of Sukkot through interactive programs, ensuring that younger generations connect with the traditions. Special prayers, including Hallel and the recitation of Hoshanot, add to the spiritual significance of the day.

Sukkot is more than a historical or religious observance; it reinforces the values of gratitude, community, and faith. It is a time for reflection on life's blessings and the importance of hospitality, as many families invite guests to share meals in their sukkahs. For Canadian Jews, celebrating Sukkot is both a connection to their heritage and a reminder of resilience, faith, and the joy of coming together as a community.

First Day of Sukkot Observances