In the third grade, Waldorf students study the old testament. In conjunction with this, the Jewish holidays are often celebrated. This makes for a very rich year with Hebrew songs, verses and writing, and beautiful celebrations.
Since Waldorf third graders study both Hebrew literature and house building, we build the Sukkah in celebration of Sukkot, the Jewish harvest festival and one of the many Hebrew holidays throughout the year.
Sukkot is celebrated the evening of September 18, beginning at sundown, and continues through September 25.
Meaning booth or tabernacle, the Sukkah is a temporary building built during the autumn months as a remembrance of ancient Israel. During those times, Jews would build temporary huts near the edge of fields during the harvest, providing needed shade and allowing shelter for workers. It is also reminiscent of the type of dwelling used by the Israelite’s during their 40 years of travel after the Exodus.