Decorations for the Sukkah: Ideas and Tips

Sukkot, or the Feast of Tabernacles, is one of the most festive times on the Jewish calendar. Five days after the spiritual introspection of Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, the seven days of Sukkot begin and Jews around the world build their sukkahs, or tabernacles, as described in the book of Leviticus, as they rejoice in God’s bounty. 

One of the unique traditions of this holiday is Jewish families setting up their sukkahs, or booths, for themselves and friends to spend time in. Sukkahs have uniform rules for assembly, but sukkah decorations offer and encourage creative freedom. In fact, it’s considered a mitzvah (a good deed) to decorate sukkahs. This is the concept of Zeh Keli v’Anveihu, Hebrew for “This is my God, and I will beautify Him.” The following offers some great sukkah decorating ideas. 

What is Sukkot? Learn about the Festival of Tabernacles here. 

Common Decorations for Sukkot 

It’s customary to place branches on the open roof of the sukkah. Because Sukkot is also the biblical harvest festival, it’s common to see sukkahs decorated with flowers, fruits, and vegetables. Using these as sukkah decorations also represents God’s gift of a bountiful harvest. Flora has become a symbol of Sukkot and is often incorporated in many other decorations. 

Common decorations for the sukkah also take the weather into account. Posters and hangings are often printed on nylon material should it rain, and some light fixtures are also made to withstand a storm. In lieu of real flowers, artificial ones may be used. 

Different Sukkah Decorations 

The following discusses some decorations for Sukkot and what they represent, and offers some sukkah decor ideas if you are on a budget:

• Banners and flags — The Israeli flag and other Jewish-centric banners can be hung from the sukkah’s walls. These are easy to set up, can be waterproofed based on materials, and are easily stored when not in use. It may cost more to have them printed in vinyl or nylon as opposed to standard paper, but they can be used more than once. 
• Paper decorations — The simplest decorations for Sukkot are paper articles like drawings, chains, streamers, and cut-outs. Naturally, these are the most budget friendly since they can be made in the home by kids. However, since they are just paper, they don’t fare well in certain weather and likely can be used only once.
• Flowers, fruits, and vegetables – Real or artificial floral arrangements, fruits, and vegetables can adorn the sukkah. Both fare well in rainy weather. 
• Lights and AC —There’s nothing like an evening under the sukkah and many Jews decorate with holiday lights to brighten up the booth. A fan may also be used to keep cool on a hot day. Remember, when using an electrical appliance in the sukkah, make sure to use equipment rated for outdoor use.

Other Sukkot Decoration Ideas 

Jewish families all over the world have been sharing their Sukkot decoration ideas such as hanging recyclables to promote the theme of a healthy earth that goes hand-in-hand with the harvest of fruits and vegetables. Some also began the tradition of using children’s art from school and other arts and crafts projects. An Israeli tradition is incorporating the seven species of the Holy Land in sukkah decorations: wheat, grapes, barley, figs, olives, pomegranates, and dates (often represented by date honey). Sometimes, jars of honey are left open in the sukkah to attract bees and pollinators and keep them away from people.

Safely Hanging Decorations for the Sukkah 

Hanging decorations is easily done with a nail in the right spot and taking the weight into consideration. Fasteners and cords can be used to secure decor to the open roof. For those that use sukkahs made of plastic or canvas, tacks and push pins can be used to hang decorative items securely without damaging the sukkah.