Beginning on Wednesday, October 16 and ending at nightfall on Friday, October 23, Sukkot is a holiday that is celebrated by Jewish people in Canada and globally. Sukkot celebrates the gathering of the harvest and commemorates the protection that God provided for the children of Israel when they left Egypt. Historically, Sukkot was celebrated by dwelling in a special hut called a sukkah, and incorporating four species, which are symbolic plants: the etrog (citron fruit), the lulav (palm frond), the hadass (myrtle branches), and the aravah (willow branches). A blessing is recited over these plants and then they are waved in six directions (right, left, forward, up, down and backward). As a part of Sukkot, holidays known as Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah are observed and celebrated.

Durham College is committed to providing an inclusive and respectful learning and working environment. Here are some resources on and off campus to help us connect to and learn more about Sukkot, Judaism and learn about our rights and responsibilities to create a campus community free of hate, discrimination and harassment:

• Religion and Human Rights
• Chabad Jewish Centre of Durham Region
• Jewish Holidays
• Jewish Holiday List
• Harassment, Workplace Sexual Harassment/Misconduct and Discrimination Policy