Sukkot in Jerusalem

Sukkot in Jerusalem is an amazing holiday. There is an entire market dedicated to selling lulav, etrog and hadas for the ritual shaking of the lulav. Then there are small non-permament booth structures built everywhere - from the terraces of peoples homes to the sidewalks in front of cafes. You are supposed to eat and sleep in your sukkah (booth) for the week of Sukkot. You are also supposed to gather together something called a lulav (four species of branches wrapped together) and an etrog (looks like a lemon) and shake them while in your Sukkah.

A Jewish man in traditional black hat and coat closely examining

the ends of the lulav which are not supposed to be ripped or cut.


Lulav, etrog and hadas on a table waiting to be sold. When one looks to buy an etrog they are seeking the most beautiful etrog they can find. No blemishes, good coloring etc. People will go to great lengths to find a beautiful etrog. There is even a movie about this - Ha Ushpizzin - I have not seen it but heard it is very good. It is in Hebrew with English subtitles.

Liz's Talmud teacher, Reb Mordechai helps some of

Liz's classmates choose a fine looking lulav.