Sukkot incorporates two principal mitzvot: dwelling in the sukkah, a construction whose roof is temporary (made of detached vegetation), and the waving of the Four Species – the lulav (palm branch), hadassim (myrtle twigs), aravot (willow branches), and the etrog fruit. As we will see, this festival teaches many profound ideas about the purpose of life and our relationship with God. There are three Morasha shiurim addressing Sukkot and Shemini Atzeret. This first shiur addresses the history, mitzvot, and major themes of the Sukkot festival, including the sukkah and the Four Species.