1. Succot lasts seven days. (Eight in the Diaspora.)
The eight day, called Shemini Atzeret , is an independent festival in its own right.

2. The command to be happy on Succot is mentioned three times:

And you shall rejoice before G-D…
Leviticus 23:4 0
And you shall rejoice on your festival.
Deuteronomy 16:14
And you shall just rej oice.
Deuteronomy 16:15

3. The Mitzvot connected with the Festival are:

• Living in the succah (shelter);
• The arba'ah minim (four species) - the lulav or palm branch, etrog or citron, hadass or myrtle, and aravah or willow;
• The beating of the aravot (an independent ceremony with willow branches);
• Korbanot - General Festival sacrifices (two types);
• water libation;
• Simchat Beit HaShoevah celebration relating to water;
• Hallel.

4. Succot is the third festival in the order of the Sheloshah Regalim or Pilgrim Festivals (Pesach, Shavuot, Succot).

5. The Ushpizin: Abraham; Isaac; Jacob; Joseph; Moses; Aaron; David.

6. The Structure of the Festival:

7. Water libation and Simchat Bet HaSho'evah :
Whoever has not seen the celebration (rejoicing) of the Bet Hashoevah has never seen rejoicing in his life!
Mishnah Succah 5:1

8. The Hoshanot each day, and the celebration of Hoshanah Rabbah.