Each October, the Lubavitch Chabad temple of Peoria celebrates Sukkot, a seven-day festival commemorating the 40-year period during which the Jewish people wandered in the desert wilderness from Egypt to Israel.

Above: Rabbi Eli Langsam says a special blessing with Zachary Erlichman, 13, asking God to bless individuals and unite them as one.

Right: Temple members Larry Griminger, left, and Tom Halperin, right, gather for fellowship while eating chicken soup under the sukkah, a temporary hut where Jews eat their meals and celebrate the holiday.

During Sukkot, Jews say blessings on the etrog, a citrus fruit, and lulav, which consists of aravah (willow branches), lulav (palm branches) and hadas (myrtle branches).

About 100 people gather at Langsam’s home during the festival, which ends today. "This is an especially festive holiday that brings a lot of joy," he said. "It’s the season of rejoicing."