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Sukkot & Simchat Torah

In Wisconsin with Chabad Lubavitch

October 6-15, 2025

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Sukkot

Sukkot commemorates G‑d sheltering our ancestors as they traveled from Egypt to the Promised Land. 

 

The seven days of Sukkot are celebrated by dwelling in the sukkah, a temporary hut exposed to the weather; making a blessing as we hold the "Four Kinds" – a palm branch (lulav), two willows (aravot), a minimum of three myrtles (hadassim) and one citron (etrog) – and rejoicing. 


Sukkot — when we expose ourselves to the elements in greenery-covered huts — commemorates G‑d sheltering our ancestors as they traveled from Egypt to the Promised Land. The Four Kinds express our unity and our belief in G‑d’s omnipresence. Coming after the solemn High Holidays, Sukkot is a time of joy and happiness.

The first two days (or one day in Israel) are yom tov, when work is forbidden, candles are lit in the evening, and festive meals are preceded with Kiddush and contain challah dipped in honey. The remainder of the days are quasi holidays, known as chol hamoed. We dwell in the sukkah and take the Four Kinds every day (except for Shabbat, when we do not take the Four Kinds).

Simchat Torah

Following the seven joyous days of Sukkot, we come to the happy holiday of Shemini Atzeret/Simchat Torah.

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In the diaspora, the first day is known by its biblical name, Shemini Atzeret. We still dwell in the sukkah, but without a blessing. Yizkor, the memorial for the departed, is also said on this day.

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The highlight of the second day, Simchat Torah (“The Joy of the Torah”), is the hakafot, held on both the eve and the morning of Simchat Torah, in which we march and dance with the Torah scrolls.​

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After the final aliyah of the Torah, we immediately begin a new cycle from the beginning of Genesis (from a second Torah scroll); this is because as soon as we conclude studying the Torah, G‑d’s infinite wisdom, on one level, we immediately start again, this time to discover new and loftier interpretations.

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Both days are celebrated by nightly candle lighting, festive meals at both night and day, and desisting from work. In Israel, the entire holiday is compacted into one heady 24-hour period.

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Save The Date!

​Sunday, October 12th | 4-7 PM

6789 N. Green Bay Ave. | Glendale, WI
 

Expect all the goodness you love: LED dance floor, rides, tasty food, 21+ sukkah lounge, and more! Plus, there will be some exciting new additions you won't want to miss. So pencil us in! Or better yet, grab the permanent marker.

Sukkot Resources

Simchat Torah Resources

Hanging DIY Decorations

Engage your kids in the holiday.

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Chabad-Lubavitch of Wisconsin
3109 North Lake Drive

Milwaukee, WI 53211

EIN: 39-1170927

Phone: 414-961-6100

Administrative Offices

6789 N Green Bay Ave.

Glendale, WI 53209

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