How Israelis celebrated Sukkot with pomp and circumstance 60 years ago

Historic photographs from the Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael-Jewish National Fund (KKL-JNF) archive illustrate how Sukkot was celebrated in Israel over 60 years ago, showcasing a blend of ancient tradition and emerging modern culture. The images depict both intimate religious observance and large-scale communal festivities.

• A 1959 photo shows a Chassidic man performing the mitzvah of the "Four Kinds" inside a sukkah in Jerusalem, surrounded by handmade decorations.
• A 1963 image from Horshat Tal National Park captures a large public celebration with folk dancing, families, and children, emphasizing the agricultural aspect of the holiday.
• A 1964 photograph documents children participating in the "Jerusalem Flag" ceremony during Chol Hamoed, an educational initiative connecting Sukkot, Jerusalem, and Zionist ideals.
• A 1967 picture from Jerusalem's "Four Species" market conveys the bustling excitement of preparations for the holiday.

Efrat Sinai, director of archives at KKL-JNF, noted that these photos "show how tradition, Zionist education, agriculture and community came together to create the holiday's unique Israeli character."