The Ritual of Circling Seven Times in Jewish Tradition: Abraham's Foundations for Sukkot According to Apocryphal Sources
The ritual of circling seven times, especially around sacred sites, holds deep symbolism within Jewish tradition. This article examines the origins of this practice, focusing on apocryphal sources like the Book of Jubilees,
which provide critical insights into how Abraham established the foundation for the festival of Sukkot in the seventh month. This article also explores other religious stories, including those involving Jericho and wedding rituals, that reflect similar practices.
1. Abraham and the Establishment of Sukkot in the Seventh Month: Book of Jubilees
According to the Book of Jubilees, Abraham was the first to lay the foundation for what would later become known as Sukkot (the Feast of Tabernacles). This event is specifically noted to have taken place in the seventh month, linking his ritual directly with later Jewish traditions.
In Jubilees 16:20-31, Abraham is described as constructing an altar, offering sacrifices, circling the altar seven times, and setting up booths (sukkot) to celebrate God’s blessings, marking the inception of the future Sukkot festival. The relevant passage reads:
“And in the seventh month, at the beginning of the month, Abraham offered the first fruits of the land, and made booths for himself and his servants to dwell in during the festival for seven days, rejoicing before the Lord. And Abraham took branches of palms and fruits of beautiful trees, and each day, circling the altar with branches seven times [per day] in the morning, he praised and gave thanks to his God with joy.” (Jubilees 16:26, 31)
This text clearly links the seventh month with Sukkot, suggesting that Abraham initiated this ritual as an act of thanksgiving. The mention of booths and lulav confirms that he was the originator of the Feast of Tabernacles, while the seven-fold circling around the altar symbolizes divine blessing and protection, closely tied to the sacredness of the number seven.
2. Construction of Booths (Sukkot) and the Symbolism of the Seventh Month
In the same passage, Abraham constructs booths (sukkot) for himself and his servants, reflecting the future observance of Sukkot. According to Jubilees 16:26, Abraham celebrated in booths for seven days, which clearly influenced the later Jewish custom of building booths during the holiday:
“And he made booths for himself and his servants to dwell in during the festival for seven days, rejoicing before the Lord.” (Jubilees 16:26)
This detail is crucial for understanding how Abraham’s ritual in the seventh month became the foundation for the Sukkot festival, later celebrated as a time of thanksgiving to God for the bounty of the land and as a remembrance of the Israelites’ time dwelling in booths during their journey through the desert.
3. The Story of Jericho: Circling Seven Times as Prayer and Conquest
The story of Jericho from the Book of Joshua offers another key example of circling seven times, this time around the city. This act of circling before the walls of Jericho collapse holds powerful symbolism of prayer and divine intervention:
“But on the seventh day, they rose early, at the break of dawn, and marched around the city in the same manner seven times. Only on that day, they marched around the city seven times.” (Joshua 6:15-16)
This narrative uses the number seven in the context of divine revelation and assistance, reinforcing the significance of the number seven in rituals symbolizing divine blessings and protection.
4. Sukkot: The Ritual of Circling the Altar on the Seventh Day
In the modern Sukkot observance, the ritual of circling the altar during the seven-day festival is known as Hoshanot, where the lulav is used in prayers. Each day of the festival, priests and the people circle the altar once, while on the seventh day, known as Hoshanah Rabbah, they perform seven circuits:
“We circle the altar once each day, and on the seventh day seven times, saying: ‘Hoshana! Save us!’” (Sukkah 45a)
This practice directly mirrors Abraham’s ritual from the Book of Jubilees, where he also circled the altar seven times, using palm branches as part of his prayer. This act of circling serves as a prayer for rain and divine blessing, and the number seven signifies completeness and divine presence.
5. Circling Seven Times in Jewish Weddings
In Jewish weddings, the bride traditionally circles the groom seven times, symbolizing protection, unity, and the creation of a sacred space between the couple. Although this ritual is not directly tied to Sukkot, it utilizes the same symbolic number seven, highlighting the universality of this number in Jewish liturgy and rituals.
6. Parallel with Circling the Kaaba
Circling seven times around the Kaaba in Mecca has many parallels with Jewish rituals. Before Islam adopted this rite, it is possible that ancient Semites, including Jewish communities, practiced similar rituals of circling around sacred objects.
Conclusion: Abraham’s Role in the Festival of Sukkot and the Symbolism of Seven
As we see in the Book of Jubilees, Abraham is a pivotal figure who establishes the foundation for the festival of Sukkot in the seventh month, with rituals that include building booths and circling the altar seven times. The number seven, symbolizing divine protection and completeness, is evident in Abraham’s rituals, as well as in later Jewish traditions, from the story of Jericho to wedding customs.
“And in the seventh month, at the beginning of the month, Abraham offered the first fruits of the land, and made booths for himself and his servants to dwell in during the festival for seven days, rejoicing before the Lord.” (Jubilees 16:26)
The act of circling sacred objects seven times—whether it’s an altar, Jericho, or a bridegroom—serves as an expression of faith, prayer, and dedication to Ellah. The Book of Jubilees provides crucial evidence that Abraham inaugurated this ritual, while Talmudic traditions confirm the continuity of this practice throughout the ages.