Early American Christian pilgrims spent time in Holland with Sephardic Jews, before immigrating to the New World. There they learned about Sukkot (soo-KOHT), the Biblical Feast of Tabernacles, a celebration that focuses on temporary housing, harvest decorations, feasting, and welcoming friends and family.
The Pilgrims celebrated Sukkot in the New World at their first harvest, inviting their new Native American friends to join them. The Wampanoag people at that time followed neither Judaism nor Christianity. That didn’t stop them from celebrating life and harvest with their Christian neighbors, nor did it stop devout Pilgrims from celebrating with them. That celebration became what is known in America today as Thanksgiving.
Tonight at sunset the joyous festival of Sukkot begins. To learn more, visit:
