Sukkot
All Day
Jewish
An eight-day or week-long celebration that begins with the building of Sukkah for sleep and meals; Sukkot is named for the huts Moses and the Israelites lived in as they wandered the desert before reaching the promised land.
Date details: Begins on the first evening listed and involves refraining from activities that are defined as work (see general practices below) the first two days, which may include a break from classes.
General practices: Prayer in synagogue and festive meals. Families in the United States commonly decorate the sukkah with produce and artwork. There is a binding together of the four species of the Jewish people: Etrog (citron fruit), Lulav (frond of date palm), Hadass (myrtle bough) and Aravah (willow branch). Jews also refrain from certain activities that are defined as work, including (depending on the level of observance): the use of electricity and electrical devices, use of cell phones and computers, riding in a car or public transportation, and writing.
Potential accommodations: Avoid scheduling important academic deadlines, events, or activities on the first two days. If planning an event, provide food accommodation as requested (kosher basics).