"The Sukkot holiday invites us to get out of our routine, sit together in the sukkah, host and be hosted, travel, and spend more time with family and friends. Alongside the festive meals and dishes, this is also an opportunity to integrate habits into the holiday that do us good in body and soul," says Dr. Sigal Mazor – Director of the Department for Education and Health Promotion at Clalit.
Dr. Mazor details a series of health recommendations for family and social gatherings during the holiday:
Turning the sukkah into a meeting place
The sukkah is an excellent opportunity for a shared family meal, conversation, playing, and spending time together. You can set screens aside for a moment, sit around the table, and enjoy shared time creating art, playing board games, quizzes, and more – quality family time is also part of a healthy lifestyle.
Enjoying the food – and not forgetting to drink water
Holiday meals and hosting are part of the experience, and there is no need to refrain from foods you love. Alongside holiday foods, you can serve a variety of vegetables, fruits, and nutritious dishes, and enjoy the food calmly while listening to feelings of hunger and fullness.
And what to drink? Water is the preferred choice
Make sure water is available and accessible: On the table, in the bag, and on the go.
Dr. Mazor warns that during the holiday we often spend long hours in the sukkah, on trips, and doing outdoor activities, so it is important to remember to drink throughout the day and not wait until feeling thirsty.
"It is advisable to place a pitcher of water on the sukkah table and equip yourself with a personal water bottle when leaving home," she further recommends – "Want to vary or make the water more festive? You can add lemon or orange slices, mint, cucumber, or cut fruit to the water."
According to her, when going out on a trip or outdoor activity, it is important to take a sufficient amount of water for all family members and to be especially careful about drinking.
Choose pleasant hours for outdoor activities
"The Sukkot vacation is a great opportunity to leave the house and enjoy shared activity. You do not have to plan an expensive attraction; you can go for a walk in the neighborhood or in nature, spend a few hours in the forest or park, have a picnic, go on a short walking trail, play ball, walk the dog, collect leaves and pinecones and create crafts in the sukkah, play search games and missions in nature, or simply spread out a mat and enjoy spending time outdoors," she further recommends – "You can also choose a nearby destination and walk to it instead of driving, discover a new route in your residential area, or go on a family walk at sunset. Leaving the routine is also an opportunity to reduce screen time, put phones aside occasionally, and dedicate more time to activity, play, and family gatherings. The goal is not necessarily to 'do sports,' but rather to reduce sitting time, be in motion, and enjoy time together."
She emphasizes that during Sukkot the weather can be hot. "When going on a trip or outdoor activity, it is important to bring water, prefer more pleasant hours for activity, look for shade, and use sun protection measures according to guidelines," she explains.