Eight Days of Activities for the Feast of Tabernacles

What are you supposed to do during the Feast of Tabernacles? How should you spend this set apart time? What are good activities for kids during Sukkot? 

I've put together some ideas of how you can make this week special for yourself and your kids and even a group or congregation. Please note that these are just ideas and not things you have to do. The holidays in the Bible are intended to be joyful times, and these are simply some suggestions if you're working to figure out how to make the holiday of Sukkot special for yourself or your family.

The first and last days of the Feast of Tabernacles are considered Sabbaths (even if they don't fall on the weekly Sabbath), and that means we are to refrain from ordinary work like our jobs, running our businesses, shopping, and household chores. If you are camping away from home, I would encourage you to set up and tear down your campsite on days that are not Sabbaths because pitching a tent, unpacking, etc. are not restful activities.

Eight days of activities for Sukkot:

Day 1  - Read the Bible. Read out loud passages from Scripture like Exodus 23:15-16, Leviticus 23:33-43, Deuteronomy 16:13-17, Ezra 3:4, Nehemiah 8:14-18, Zechariah 14:16-19, or John 7:1-44. These are verses that either give instructions for the Feast of Tabernacles or talk about them being kept. These can give you fresh inspiration for keeping this holiday, and in Deuteronomy 31:10-11 instructs that Biblical law is to be read during Sukkot.

Day 2 - Go to a farm and pick apples. Part of the celebration of the Feast of Tabernacles is that the Living God has provided an agricultural harvest to sustain His people throughout the coming months. Make a family or friends event of going apple picking to see for yourselves the abundance that He gives us! Any bounty that's brought back can be used for meals and snacks or festive decorations in your home or sukkah.

Day 3 - Have supper in the sukkah. Of course you can do this every day or even for every meal. If you don't have a sukkah set up, go for a picnic outside, or utilize a gazebo or shelter area at a park for your meal. Don't feel like the meal needs to be fancy - eating outside is what makes it special and memorable. One family I know has a tradition of inviting friends over for "Soup in the Sukkah" each year. Make it a potluck if others are joining you.

Day 4 - Go on the Sukkot scavenger hunt! This is a great activity for kids to burn some energy and learn the Bible a little better at the same time. You can play this in your own backyard or neighborhood or at a campground. The instructions can be found here.

Day 5 - Take photos! Why not take advantage of this beautiful time of year to take family pictures? Use lovely fall leaves as a background or an apple orchard, pumpkin patch, or your sukkah or campsite! If you can't swing a professional photographer or your family isn't celebrating, you should still be sure to snap some pictures of your activities throughout the holiday. These will help you to remember your experiences during the Feast of Tabernacles and help to establish this as a meaningful time.

Day 6 - Have a fire. Sukkot weather seems to be made for a roaring campfire, doesn't it? Whether you're home or away from home, sitting fireside with family and friends can be fun and relaxing. Adults have good opportunity for conversation and kids can play nearby. If you want to host an event for Tabernacles, this is a lowkey way to do it. Roast all beef hot dogs or Biblically clean marshmallows for easy food options.

Day 7 - Study your Bible in a beautiful place. You can read Scripture anywhere, but deliberately going somewhere to spend time with the Creator can be so refreshing. A new place can also offer fresh insights on the word. Passages about mountains impact me in a different way if I am in my home versus in the Rocky Mountains. There's no wrong part of the Bible to study during any of the Biblical holidays but things the Messiah said during Sukkot and what the Bible says about the Feast of Tabernacles can be especially meaningful.

Day 8 - Have a white elephant gift exchange. This is a simple game that can be a lot of fun! If you're not familiar with a white elephant, it's a gift giving game where each person brings a wrapped present. Rather than designating the gift you bring for a specific person, numbers are drawn to see who picks a gift first, the next person has the option to 'steal' what someone else has already opened or pick a new gift. It has created many good laughs for our congregation over the years. White elephants are often done with gag gifts, but we opt for giving nice but inexpensive gifts. See this post for more directions and gift ideas.

More ideas for the Feast of Tabernacles:
Sukkot Scriptures to Read
The Feast of Tabernacles: What it Means and Why You Should Celebrate It
Stargazing Party for Sukkot

Home is Where the Sukkah Is - Free Printable for Sukkot

If you're looking for ways to decorate for Sukkot and the Feast of Tabernacles, this printable has you covered. Simple decorations like this can help spread the festivity of this Biblical holiday and spread the joy and message of that! It couldn't be easier. Just print it off and stick it on your refrigerator or in your cubicle at work. Frame it if you want to. It also works well to put in a sukkah or a camper.

Download this Home is Where the Sukkah is printable for free below!

Yes, I do realize the picture is a tent and not a sukkah as defined by Jewish law. This is simply meant to be something fun, and if the tent in the picture doesn't work for you and this printable isn't for you, there are no hard feelings. In Scripture the word 'sukkah' means temporary dwelling space, which is an appropriate term for a variety of structures.

Click here to download this 'Home is where the sukkah is' printable. It is free for your personal use.

More Feast of Tabernacles:
Sukkot Scavenger Hunt Game
Stargazing Sukkot Party
Things the Messiah Said During Sukkot

Everything to Know About the Feast of Tabernacles (for believers in Messiah)

Sukkot is the last Biblical holiday of the year. This post has all the information you need to know about this set apart time and how to celebrate this holiday!

Tabernacles, Tents, Booths, or Sukkot?

The Feast of Tabernacles goes by many different names. In Hebrew, it is called Sukkot, which is the plural word for sukkah or temporary dwelling shelters. Because of this it makes sense to translate this holiday as the Feast of Tents, Tabernacles, or Booths. Tabernacles is generally the most common name for it in English.

Who invented the Feast of Tabernacles?

This holiday was created by the Creator, the Living God, YHWH himself. He gave directions for this holiday in Exodus 23:15-16, Leviticus 23:33-43, and Deuteronomy 16:13-17, and it is spoken of elsewhere in Scripture in both the Old and New Testaments.

What is the meaning of the Feast of Tabernacles?

The temporary dwellings or sukkahs of this time call to mind historic and prophetic events of the Bible. The Feast of Tabernacles reminds us of when the people of Israel wandered in the desert on their way to the Promised Land, after the exodus from Egypt. This calls to mind that YHWH made a way for them and provided for their needs while they were in the wilderness. As believers in Messiah, we look forward to the day when He returns to dwell or tabernacle amongst us! 

What is the purpose of the Feast of Tabernacles? 

The Creator gifted us a special time, and two extra days to rest! He intended to bless us with this holiday. This time is a pause from business as usual. It was intended to be time off work and time to celebrate with family and friends, as well as grow in our faith. We should view this with the same joyous attitude we have when we don't have to go to school or work because of cultural holidays like Labor Day or Memorial Day.

What happens during the Feast of Tabernacles?

During the eight days of Sukkot, believers are instructed to dwell in temporary shelters. There are many different approaches to this. Some people travel during this feast, staying in a cabin or hotel. Others pack up the RV and meet with other believers to camp. Some pitch a tent at home and sleep in their backyard. Others put up a temporary pergola of some sort and eat their meals out there while sleeping inside.

Is the Feast of Tabernacles in the New Testament?

Yes, it is! It was celebrated in the Messiah's day. In fact, the Messiah himself took part in Sukkot celebrations and had a lot to say at that time. Most of John 7 takes place around the Feast of Tabernacles.

Is Sukkot like Shabbat?

Just the first and last days of this Bible holiday are to be treated as Sabbaths where we don't work, shop, run errands, and so on. Not sure what to do on a Sabbath day? This post will help!

Can you work during the Feast of Tabernacles?

While Tabernacles lasts for eight days, we are only instructed to not work on the first and the last day (also called the Last Great Day or the Eight Great Day), as well as the regular weekly Sabbath during that time. You can feel free to work your regular job, buy groceries, do home or camp chores as needed on the other days. Of course, taking time off to focus on the Feast and time with your family can be special and meaningful if that's an option for you, but it's not a Biblical requirement!

Who celebrates the Feast of Tabernacles?

Historically, Sukkot has mostly been celebrated by those of the Jewish faith, but the Bible says nothing about limiting this holiday to only Jews or it being done away with! Like the rest of the Biblical holidays, the Feast of Tabernacles is for all Bible believers, no matter what your family traditions or ancestry might be. Bible holidays are for Bible believers, and by celebrating them we learn to better see the work of the Messiah in Scripture and in our lives.

Is Sukkot a happy holiday?

Very much so! This is an opportunity to joyfully look back on the miracles in the Bible, God's provision in our own lives, and His promises for things to come!

When is the Feast of Tabernacles this year?

It depends on which calendar you go by, but this year (2022) the days land on October 9-17 on the most used calendar. In Judaism, days start at sundown in the evening, so by this reckoning Sukkot would start the evening of Sunday, October 9th.

Where is the Feast of Tabernacles celebrated?

It can be celebrated anywhere you are! At your home, in your church or congregation, or anywhere you travel to. Many people choose to travel to where a group of believers is celebrating.

Are there Sukkot events to go to?

As a matter of fact, there are more gatherings of believers in Messiah every year! People gather all across the US, Canada, and around the world. This post may have a Tabernacles event near you!

How do you celebrate Tabernacles at home?

Today you can celebrate Tabernacles by pitching a tent in your yard or setting up some sort of canopy on your patio. Start with having meals out there or spending time there in prayer and Bible study. Spread the festivity by inviting friends over or going to congregation or a worship night, if that's possible. Give an offering of financial resources or time to a worthy cause or ministry. Take at least the first and last days off from work and ordinary household tasks like cleaning and cooking. Make good food and do fun things like picnicking or visiting an apple orchard. Not everything you do during this week has to be spiritual - this is a time of joy so feel free to do things you and your family find fun!

What do you eat on the Feast of Tabernacles?

While Passover has added food restrictions to not eat anything leavened, Tabernacles comes with no extra rules, beyond the instructions for Biblically clean eating. Since there is some emphasis on the provision of YHWH through the physical harvest from gardens and farms, you could eat what's in season in your area, or foods from your garden if you have one. If you're camping out, it makes sense to eat traditional campfire foods like hotdogs and s'mores (the Biblically clean version of course). We also like to have a chili cookoff during Sukkot, and a make-your-own pizza night is another tradition in our congregation, but feel free to enjoy foods you like!

How do you keep Tabernacles with children?

Teach your children about this special time. Let them know that God made certain holidays for us to enjoy and learn from. Use this time to teach them Bible stories or do crafts or activity sheets related to the Feast of Tabernacles. Most kids enjoy camping and would be excited to sleep in a tent or in sleeping bags in the living room.

What about the Eighth Great Day?

Tabernacles is eight days long and the Last Great Day or Eighth Great Day is part of that! Some view Tabernacles and the Eighth Great Day as 'separate' holidays, but either way there are eight days of celebration in a row. Biblically, on this day the Messiah announced that if anyone is thirsty we should come to Him and drink! Traditionally, this is a day for celebrating having the Written Word or Torah, and beginning again the reading of the annual Torah portions cycle. 

What Bible verses talk about the Feast of Tabernacles?

Exodus 23:15-16
Leviticus 23:33-43
Deuteronomy 16:13-17
Ezra 3:4
Nehemiah 8:14-18
Zechariah 14:16-19
John 7:1-44

And more.

Did Jesus fulfill Sukkot?

During the Messiah's time on earth there was deep connection to the Feast of Tabernacles, because for a time He did dwell among men. Many scholars believe He was born on or at least near the Feast of Tabernacles, which must have made that year's festival very rich indeed for His parents.

Scripture records in John 7 that He attended Sukkot festivities and went to Jerusalem at that time as the Bible instructs.

However we are still awaiting the ultimate fulfillment of His return when He will once again dwell with His people!

Will Sukkot be kept during the millennial reign?

Yes, Zechariah 14 tells us that all the nations will eventually celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles - or they won't get any rain.

More about the Feast of Tabernacles:
The Biblical Holiday of Tabernacles for Beginners
8 Things Scripture Says about the Feast of Tabernacles
The Feast of Tabernacles: What it Means and Why You Should Celebrate It

Bible Verses on the Feast of Trumpets

Where is the Feast of Trumpets in the Bible?

The Biblical holiday of the Feast of Trumpets, or Yom Teruah, is found in several places in the Old Testament where directions are given for this special day of blowing shofars and otherwise praising God. There are many other places in the Old and New Testaments where the Feast of Trumpets is mentioned or alluded to.

Here are Bible verses that relate to the Feast of Trumpets and passages of Scripture that are fitting to read on this Biblical holiday.

Scriptures about the Feast of Trumpets:

And YHWH spoke to Moses saying, "Speak to the children of Israel and tell them, 'In the seventh month, on the first day of the new moon, you have a rest, a remembrance of teruah, a set-apart gathering. You do no servile work, and you shall bring and offering made by fire to YHWH.'" -Leviticus 23:23-25

And in the seventh new moon, on the first day of the month, you shall have a set-apart gathering. Do no servile work work it is a Day of Soundings for you. -Numbers 29:1

And when the  seventh new month came, the children of Israel were in their cities. All the people gathered together as one in front of the Water Gate. And they spoke to Ezra the scribe to bring the Book of the Torah of Moses, which YHWH had commanded to Israel.

And Ezra the priest brought the Torah before the men and women and all who could hear with understanding, on the first day of the seventh month.

And he read from it in front of the Water Gate from morning until midday, before those who could understand. The ears of all people listened to the Book of the Torah. -Nehemiah 8:1-3

Scriptures related to the Feast of Trumpets:

With trumpets and the sound of the shofar, raise a shout to YHWH the king. -Psalm 98:6

Because the Messiah himself shall come down from heaven with a shout, with the voice of a chief messenger, and with the trumpet of YHWH, and the dead in Messiah shall rise first. -1 Thessalonians 4:15

I saw the seven messengers who stand before YHWWH, and to them were given seven trumpets. -Revelation 8:2

I share a secret with you: we shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall all be changed. -1 Corinthians 15:51-52

More on the Feast of Trumpets:
The Beginner's Guide to the Feast of Trumpets
The Meaning of Yom Teruah and Where We See it in Scripture
Significance of the Shofar During the Feast of Tabernacles