Sukkot reminds us of our dependence and God’s constant support. It is a mitzvah to eat (and if possible sleep) in a Sukkah throughout the festive week.
Every day one should wave the Arba Minim or Four Species (Lulav, Etrog, Hadas & Aravot) in all directions, symbolising God’s omnipresence. The Arba Minim are taken in a daily procession around the Bimah.
At the end of Succot comes Hoshana Rabba, in which we sing many hymns of praise (Hoshanot), making seven Hakafot (circuits of the Bimah) and then beat the willows.
Shemini Atzeret marks God’s desire not to call an abrupt end to the festive season and
Simchat Torah marks the end of the annual cycle of Torah readings. The Chatan Torah is called to read the final verses of Devarim (Deuteronomy) and the Chatan Bereshit reads the opening chapter of Bereshit (Genesis). In the evening and morning, we dance with the Torah scrolls and with the Chatanim (bridegrooms) and celebrate our relationship with the Torah.