Sukkot is one of the most joyful Jewish holidays, a time to dwell in temporary spaces, celebrate harvest, and connect with family, community, and the natural world. But what if you don’t have a sukkah? Don’t worry. Sukkot is about presence, gratitude, and community, themes you can weave into your life even if you can't build a sukkah. Here are five ways to honor the holiday without a physical sukkah:
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1. Picnic Under the Open Sky
One of the easiest ways to capture the spirit of Sukkot is simply to eat outside. Spread a blanket in your backyard, a local park, or even on your balcony. Pack a festive meal, light candles, and share blessings. Being outdoors, under the sky, evokes the feeling of dwelling in a temporary, sacred space. Feeling adventurous? Plan a last-minute camping trip this weekend.
2. Camp Out at Home
Bring the fun and ritual of Sukkot indoors by setting up a tent or fort. Use blankets, sheets, or even a small pop-up tent. Decorate it with lights, paper chains, or autumn leaves. This playful setup can help children and adults feel the joy of “dwelling” in a sukkah, even without one.
3. Honor Your Ancestors
A big part of Sukkot is inviting Ushpizin, or guests into your sukkah. These guests are typically ancestors. You can replicate this practice at home without a sukkah by creating a dedicated altar in your living room with photos of loved one, leaving an empty place setting at your table, or taking a few minutes to look through a photo album and recall your family history.
4. Take a Nature Walk and Give Thanks
Sukkot celebrates the harvest and our connection to the natural world. Take a mindful walk, notice the trees, sky, and changing seasons, and share what you’re grateful for. You can even collect natural objects like leaves, stones, and branches to create a temporary altar or centerpiece that evokes a sukkah in your home.
5. Celebrate the Harvest
Sukkot is a harvest festival, so you can honor it by celebrating the abundance in your life. Gather seasonal fruits and vegetables at a farmer's market, make a colorful centerpiece, or prepare a meal featuring locally grown produce. If you have a garden, you can also share some of your own harvest with neighbors, friends, or a food pantry. This practice connects you to the land, to gratitude, and to the generosity of the season.