It’s Hard to be a Jew at Christmas, But Even Harder on Tu BiSh’vat
It is a truth universally acknowledged that it can be difficult to be Jewish at Christmas time. It has seeped into North American cultural consciousness so thoroughly that South Park even wrote a song about it, complete with trademark expletives.
Sukkot Blessings
It is a mitzvah to celebrate in the sukkah. While the Torah instructs us to live in the sukkah for seven days, many choose to only eat meals in the sukkah. When eating or reciting kiddush in the sukkah, recite this blessing:
chol hamo-eid
"Secular part of the occasion;" during Passover and Sukkot, the intermediate days of the festival.
etrog
"Citron." Lemon-like fruit used in Sukkot rituals.
hakafah
"encircle, round off, circle around, orbit;" procession of worshippers carrying Torah scrolls that circles the sanctuary; plural hakafot.
lulav
A date palm frond with myrtle and willow sprigs attached; used in Sukkot rituals.
Sh'mini Atzeret
"Eighth day of assembly;" conclusion of Sukkot.
sukkah
"Booth" or "hut;" temporary structure associated with the agricultural festival of Sukkot; plural: sukkot.
Sukkot
Seven-day fall agricultural festival associated with temporary booths or huts.
Tu BiShvat
"15th of Shevat;" New Year of the Trees; Jewish Arbor Day, which is a minor festival.