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So, you’ve built your Sukkah , decked it out with some captivating decorations , put up some lights, and are ready to host the ultimate Sukkot celebration. But you’re likely missing one important detail. No, I’m not talking about making sure you have enough challah. I'm talking about making sure you have the order of invisible guests – the Ushpizin – Judaism’s most righteous ‘shepherds,’ who will visit your Sukkah each day of Sukkot.
According to the Zohar (Judaism’s primary mystical work), when the People of Israel leave their cozy homes and step into their Sukkah in honor of G‑d’s Name, they merit to welcome the Divine presence there, and all the seven Ushpizin – ‘shepherds’ – descend from the Garden of Eden and come along too.
Meet the Seven Exalted Guests (Ushpizin): Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Aaron, and David. Think of the Ushpizin as Judaism’s Founding Fathers, each making a grand entrance on a different day of Sukkot .
The Ushpizin Order
Here’s the official Ushpizin guest list for each day of Sukkot:
Day 1: Abraham takes the lead. He brings along Isaac, Jacob, Moses, Aaron, Joseph, and David.
Day 2: Isaac gets his turn to lead, bringing along Abraham, Jacob, Moses, Aaron, Joseph, and David.
Day 3: Jacob steps up as the headliner for the day. Abraham, Isaac, Moses, Aaron, Joseph, and David tag along.
Day 4: Moses takes charge, with Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Aaron, Joseph, and David following along.
Day 5: Aaron gets his spotlight, with Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, Joseph, and David coming along.
Day 6: Joseph takes center stage, and Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, Aaron, and David are still there too.
Day 7 (Hoshana Rabbah) : It’s King David’s big day! He leads the final day’s festivities, joined by Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, Aaron, and Joseph.
To give your invisible Sukkah guests the ultimate welcome, it’s customary to invite the legendary Ushpizin when you enter the Sukkah. You can do this by reciting a special Aramaic formula from your Siddur.
Many will have decorative Ushpizin charts featuring the order and accompanying prayer hanging on their Sukkah wall.
…and more on other simple, yet elegant ways to decorate your Sukkah in our handy guide on How to Decorate the Sukkah Without Breaking the Bank.
Sephardim even set up a fancy chair in the Sukkah covered with a fine cloth, and place holy books on it. The host makes it clear by declaring: “this is the Chair of the Ushpizin” and lights a candle in their honor.
So there you have it. Not only are you hosting a festival, but you’re also rolling out the metaphorical red carpet for your exalted guests. Chag Sameach!
