KIDDUSH FOR FESTIVALS As in the Amida, the emphasis on the idea of the chosen people signifies that it was through the epic events of Israel’s history recalled on the festivals – the exodus, the giving of the Torah, and the forty years of wandering in the wilderness – that God was made manifest in history. Blessings in the sukka: The blessing “who has commanded us to dwell in the sukka” is said throughout the seven days of the festival whenever we eat in the sukka. The blessing “who has given us life” refers to two things: (1) the holiness of the day itself, and (2) the first act of sitting in the sukka. On the first night, “who has given us life” is said last so that it can refer to both. On the second night, it no longer refers to sitting in the sukka since this is not the first time we have done so. Thus, it is said immediately after Kiddush, since it only refers to the holiness of the day.