During the Sukkot festival, a ritual performed to symbolize harvest and gratitude involves building a sukkah, a temporary dwelling made of natural materials. Families eat and often sleep in these structures for the duration of the festival, representing the Israelites' journey in the wilderness. This ritual emphasizes thankfulness for the bounty of the harvest and God’s protection. It fosters a sense of community as families invite others to share meals in their sukkahs, reinforcing social ties and celebrating the bountiful gifts of the earth.