Sukkot, the unique holiday symbolizing the act of dwelling under the sukkah and connecting with tradition and family, presents an opportunity to create a special, intimate family space. This year, more than ever, we see how sukkah design has become an essential part of the holiday preparations, combining Jewish heritage with contemporary aesthetics.
Halachic Design of a Sukkah
Before beginning to design your sukkah aesthetically, it's important to understand the basic halachic (Jewish law) requirements. A kosher sukkah must meet certain conditions. First, the sukkah's height should be at least ten handbreadths (approximately 1 meter), and the roof must be made of schach—natural material that grows from the earth and is not susceptible to impurity, such as reeds, branches, or bamboo. Additionally, the schach should cover the sukkah, but not entirely, allowing the stars to be visible at night.
As for the walls, a variety of materials can be used as long as they are resistant to wind. In recent years, there has been a growing trend of using decorative fabrics for the sukkah walls. "It’s important to remember," says Barak Elitzur, manager of the Sukkot Nechalim factory store, "that in addition to the aesthetic needs, the sukkah must meet all halachic requirements, so that it is both beautiful and kosher. For example, our schach is specifically manufactured to meet all halachic standards under the supervision of Badatz."
Examples of Sukkah Fabric Designs
When designing the sukkah, many people choose to use colorful and decorated fabrics to give it a warm, unique feel. Common examples include embroidered fabrics featuring traditional Jewish symbols such as the Seven Species or Jerusalem motifs like the Western Wall. There are also more modern designs with geometric patterns, soft colors, and a minimalist style.
Using decorative fabrics not only adds color to the sukkah but also provides privacy and protection from the wind. "Over the years, we’ve seen a shift in consumer taste," notes Elitzur. "Today, there’s more demand for sukkot that allow consumers to choose their fabric style and design elements to suit their personal preferences. This customization enables families to feel a special connection to the sukkah and the holiday, transforming it into a space that reflects their identity and values, making the experience more meaningful and unique."
Lighting and Furniture to Create a Festive, Welcoming Atmosphere
Beyond the sukkah walls, one of the central elements that contribute to the atmosphere is lighting. Proper lighting can turn the sukkah into a pleasant gathering place, especially during evening meals with family and guests. In recent years, there has been a trend towards using energy-efficient LED lighting suited for outdoor use, which helps create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
In addition, the furniture and accessories in the sukkah play a key role in the overall design, directly impacting the comfort and enjoyment of the participants. In recent years, the focus on interior design has extended to the sukkah as well, with many families putting thought into selecting comfortable and practical furniture for the holiday period. Folding chairs and tables are a popular choice due to their portability and ease of storage after the holiday. However, more and more people are investing in stylish and aesthetic furniture, such as colorful bean bags, comfortable outdoor sofas, and even rugs designed for outdoor spaces, adding warmth to the area.
Increased Demand for Sukkot This Year
This year, Sukkot is set to be more special and complex than ever. After an especially challenging year, many in Israel feel the need to return to tradition, celebrate with family, and gather under the sukkah. Moreover, widespread cancellations of trips abroad due to security concerns have led to more people staying in Israel for the holiday, fulfilling the mitzvah of sitting in the sukkah.
Sukkot Nechalim, a company that has been providing sukkot to consumers for 40 years, anticipates a significant increase in demand this year. "We’re preparing for an especially busy holiday," says Barak Elitzur. "This year, due to the situation and the fact that many Israelis will be staying in the country, demand for sukkot has surged. People want to maintain the tradition and gather with their families after such a difficult period." The company is gearing up for the increase in demand on the operational side as well. "We’re stocking more sukkot and ramping up production lines to ensure everyone can enjoy a kosher and beautiful sukkah," he adds.
Sukkot is a special time to combine tradition and design, turning the sukkah experience into an empowering family moment. This year, more than ever, demand for kosher and aesthetic sukkot is at its peak, and companies like 'Sukkot Nechalim' are preparing to meet the demand while preserving the values of tradition and halacha. "The sukkah is not just a structure—it is a symbol of Israeli unity and tradition," concludes Elitzur.