Mishneh Torah — Shofar, Sukkah, Lulav הלכות שופר וסוכה ולולב, Chapter 6

נָּשִׁים וַעֲבָדִים וּקְטַנִּים פְּטוּרִים מִן הַסֻּכָּה. טֻמְטוּם וְאַנְדְּרוֹגִינוּס חַיָּבִים מִסָּפֵק. וְכֵן מִי שֶׁחֶצְיוֹ עֶבֶד וְחֶצְיוֹ בֶּן חוֹרִין חַיָּב. קָטָן שֶׁאֵינוֹ צָרִיךְ לְאִמּוֹ שֶׁהוּא [כְּבֶן חָמֵשׁ] כְּבֶן שֵׁשׁ חַיָּב בְּסֻכָּה מִדִּבְרֵי סוֹפְרִים כְּדֵי לְחַנְּכוֹ בְּמִצְוֹת:

Women, slaves, and minors are freed from [fulfilling the mitzvah of] sukkah. apply to Sukkah. Hence, women and slaves are free of obligation, as is the case regarding all mitzvot whose fulfillment is associated with a specific time. Minors have no obligations at all according to the Torah. (See the commentary on Chapter 2, Halachah 1.)See also the commentary on Chapter 2, Halachah 2 regarding a woman's right to perform the mitzvah if she desires, and whether permission is granted for her to recite a blessing. A tumtum and an androgynous are obligated because of the doubt [concerning their status]. Similarly, a person who is half slave and half free is obligated.A minor who does not require his mother's [presence] 28b offers two definitions of this term:a) a child who does not need his mother to help him after he relieves himself;b) a child who does not wake up in the night and call out: "Mommy! Mommy!"Nevertheless, based on Eruvin 82a, the Rambam provided us with a more definite guideline... - i.e., a child of five or six 48a) and the Ramban (Milchamot Hashem, Berachot 20b), there is no obligation incumbent on the child himself. The child's father is obligated to educate him. If he has no father, the obligation falls on his mother and on the local Rabbinic court (Terumat Hadeshen 99).Tosafot (Berachot 48a) differs and explains that the Sages placed the obligation on the minor himself. From the Rambam's phraseology, it appears that he accepts this view.Support for this premise can be derived from the Rambam's decision in Hilchot Berachot 5:15-16, which states that an adult who ate a small meal can fulfill his obligation by listening to a child reciting the grace after meals (for both are obligated by virtue of Rabbinic decree). Though others object on the grounds that the child himself is not obligated in the mitzvah, the Rambam states that such a practice is acceptable. - is obligated [to fulfill the mitzvah] of sukkah according to Rabbinic decree, to train him in [the performance of] mitzvot. 3:9, Hilchot Berachot 5:1, and Hilchot Lulav 7:19.

חוֹלִים וּמְשַׁמְּשֵׁיהֶן פְּטוּרִים מִן הַסֻּכָּה. וְלֹא חוֹלֶה שֶׁיֵּשׁ בּוֹ סַכָּנָה אֶלָּא אֲפִלּוּ חָשׁ בְּרֹאשׁוֹ וַאֲפִלּוּ חָשׁ בְּעֵינָיו. מִצְטַעֵר פָּטוּר מִן הַסֻּכָּה הוּא וְלֹא מְשַׁמְּשָׁיו. וְאֵיזֶהוּ מִצְטַעֵר זֶה שֶׁאֵינוֹ יָכוֹל לִישֹׁן בַּסֻּכָּה מִפְּנֵי הָרוּחַ אוֹ מִפְּנֵי הַזְּבוּבִים וְהַפַּרְעוֹשִׁים וְכַיּוֹצֵא בָּהֶן אוֹ מִפְּנֵי הָרֵיחַ:

The sick and their attendants 25a, 26a.) However, this leniency is granted only during the time the sick person requires their assistance (Shulchan Aruch HaRav 640:7). are freed from [fulfilling the mitzvah] of sukkah. This applies not only to a person who is dangerously ill, but also to one with a headache 2:4).This leniency is granted because of one of the basic principles related to the mitzvah of sukkah. Leviticus 23:42 states: "You shall dwell in sukkot (תשבו בסכת)." On that verse, Sukkah 26a comments: תשבו כעין תדורו - i.e., dwelling in the sukkah is comparable to living in one's own home. Thus, a person is not required to dwell in a sukkah under circumstances which would cause him to leave his own home.Since a person who is sick would seek the most comfortable lodgings possible and would not camp outside, he is not obligated to do so to fulfill the mitzvah of sukkah (Rabbenu Manoach). or a sore eye. 26a relates that Rabban Shimon ben Gamliel was granted permission to sleep outside the sukkah for this purpose.The Torah's prohibitions are suspended not only when a person's life is in danger, but also when a particular limb might be lost. Though this premise is accepted by the Rambam (see Hilchot Shabbat 2:4), it does not appear that he is referring to it here. Rather, it seems that he means a minor ailment comparable to a headache. See also Tosafot (Sukkah, ibid.).A person who is uncomfortable [when dwelling in the sukkah] is freed from the obligation [to fulfill the mitzvah] of sukkah. 640:4) quotes this statement as halachah. This applies to the person himself, but not to his attendants. stated that leniency was also granted to such a person's attendants, but that is surely a printing error (Rabbenu Manoach).Who is "a person who is uncomfortable [when dwelling in the sukkah]"? A person who cannot sleep in the sukkah because of the wind or because of the flies, mites, or the like, or because of the smell., the Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 640:4), and the Ramah emphasize that this law applies only when the discomfort is an unexpected occurrence. However, a sukkah which is constructed in a place where the discomfort will surely come is considered to be unfit to dwell in and is unacceptable for the performance of the mitzvah.

הָאָבֵל חַיָּב בְּסֻכָּה. וְחָתָן וְכָל הַשּׁוֹשְׁבִינִין וְכָל בְּנֵי חֻפָּה פְּטוּרִים מִן הַסֻּכָּה כָּל שִׁבְעַת יְמֵי הַמִּשְׁתֶּה:

A mourner 4:6).It must be noted that none of the mourning rites should be followed during a festival. If a close relative dies before the festival, the shiv'ah (seven days of mourning) is completed at the festival's commencement, even though all seven days have not passed (Hilchot Eivel 10:3, 8). is obligated [to fulfill the mitzvah] of sukkah. 25b explains that a mourner (אבל) is obligated to fulfill all the mitzvot. Nevertheless, one might suppose that just as a person who is uncomfortable is freed from the obligation of sukkah, a mourner would also be absolved. Therefore, the Talmud includes a special teaching to emphasize the mourner's obligation, explaining that one is absolved only for discomfort which comes from external factors. In this case, the mourner brings discomfort upon himself. He should compose himself and concentrate his attention on the mitzvah.Nevertheless, Shulchan Aruch HaRav (640:13) writes that if dwelling in a sukkah will cause a mourner more discomfort than dwelling in his home, he is allowed to choose the latter alternative.A groom, 25b adds that generally, a sukkah is to small to carry out the wedding celebrations in the proper manner. Furthermore, the groom is obligated to rejoice together with his wife, and the sukkah is not an appropriate setting. his attendants,, Chapter 7, the Rambam describes the custom of שושבינות (attending a groom). and all the members of the wedding party 640:33.) are freed from [fulfilling the mitzvah] of sukkah throughout the seven days of [the wedding] festivities.

שְׁלוּחֵי מִצְוָה פְּטוּרִים מִן הַסֻּכָּה בֵּין בַּיּוֹם וּבֵין בַּלַּיְלָה. הוֹלְכֵי דְּרָכִים בַּיּוֹם פְּטוּרִים מִן הַסֻּכָּה בַּיּוֹם וְחַיָּבִין בַּלַּיְלָה. הוֹלְכֵי דְּרָכִים בַּלַּיְלָה פְּטוּרִים מִן הַסֻּכָּה בַּלַּיְלָה וְחַיָּבִים בַּיּוֹם. שׁוֹמְרֵי הָעִיר בַּיּוֹם פְּטוּרִים מִן הַסֻּכָּה בַּיּוֹם וְחַיָּבִים בַּלַּיְלָה. שׁוֹמְרֵי הָעִיר בַּלַּיְלָה פְּטוּרִים מִן הַסֻּכָּה בַּלַּיְלָה וְחַיָּבִים בַּיּוֹם. שׁוֹמְרֵי גִּנּוֹת וּפַרְדֵּסִין פְּטוּרִין בֵּין בַּיּוֹם וּבֵין בַּלַּיְלָה שֶׁאִם יַעֲשֶׂה הַשּׁוֹמֵר סֻכָּה יֵדַע הַגַּנָּב שֶׁיֵּשׁ לַשּׁוֹמֵר מָקוֹם קָבוּעַ וְיָבוֹא וְיִגְנֹב מִן מָקוֹם אַחֵר:

Emissaries charged with a mission involving a mitzvah 25a). are freed from [fulfilling the mitzvah] of sukkah both during the day and at night. 25a, 26a) states that this applies even when they are lodging overnight. Since, at night they are also involved with thinking about how to fulfill the mitzvah, they are still considered as occupied with the performance of a mitzvah and are not required to seek out a sukkah. An example of this principle quoted by the Talmud supports this interpretation: When Rav Chisda and Rabbah bar Rav Huna would attend [the lecture delivered] at the home of the exilarch on the Sabbath of the festival, they would sleep along the river banks of Sura. They explained: "We are emissaries involved in a mitzvah" (Sukkah 26a).Though these Sages were visiting a city which served as a center of Jewish life and surely could have found a sukkah to lodge in, they did not see the necessity for doing so. (See also Sukkah 10b.)Nevertheless, Tosafot, Sukkah 10b, interprets the passage differently and explains that leniency is granted these emissaries only when dwelling in the sukkah would in some way prevent them from carrying out the mitzvah which they set out to perform. If it is possible to do both - perform the mitzvah they set out to do and fulfill the mitzvah of sukkah - one must endeavor to do so.The Maggid Mishneh explains that the Rambam shares Rashi's view. However, the final halachic position followed by most Ashkenazic authorities is closer to Tosafot's position: i.e., these emissaries are not obligated to trouble themselves to find a sukkah. However, if there is a sukkah available, they should make use of it. Nevertheless, if sleeping in the sukkah would prevent them from getting proper rest, and thus hold them back from fulfilling their mitzvah in a proper manner, they are not required to sleep in a sukkah (Shulchan Aruch HaRav 640:18; Mishnah Berurah 640:38).(Abstractly, it is possible to differentiate between the two positions as follows. According to Rashi, there is no obligation of sukkah incumbent on this person whatsoever. In contrast, Tosafot would maintain that the person is obligated to perform the mitzvah. However, at all times he is bound by another commitment which takes precedence.) People who journey during the day are freed from [fulfilling the mitzvah] of sukkah during the day 26a explains that this concept is derived from the principle: תשבו כעין תדורו - i.e., dwelling in the sukkah is comparable to living in one's own home. Since a person will occasionally leave his home on a journey, he is also entitled to leave his sukkah. and are obligated at night., ibid.). People who journey during the night are freed from [fulfilling the mitzvah] of sukkah at night and are obligated during the day.A city's day watchmen are freed from [fulfilling the mitzvah] of sukkah during the day and are obligated at night. Its night watchmen are freed from [fulfilling the mitzvah] of sukkah at night and are obligated during the day. The watchmen of gardens and orchards 26a) are freed from [fulfilling the mitzvah] during the day and the night, because if the watchman constructs a sukkah, a thief will realize that the watchman has a fixed place and will go to steal from another place., ibid., explains that based on this principle, the leniency is granted only to watchmen charged with guarding an entire orchard or farm. However, if a watchman is charged with guarding produce which is collected in one place, he is capable of fulfilling the mitzvah and discharging his duty. Hence, he is obligated to construct a sukkah there.

כֵּיצַד הִיא מִצְוַת הַיְשִׁיבָה בַּסֻּכָּה. שֶׁיִּהְיֶה אוֹכֵל וְשׁוֹתֶה וְדָר בַּסֻּכָּה כָּל שִׁבְעַת הַיָּמִים בֵּין בַּיּוֹם וּבֵין בַּלַּיְלָה כְּדֶרֶךְ שֶׁהוּא דָּר בְּבֵיתוֹ בִּשְׁאָר יְמוֹת הַשָּׁנָה. וְכָל שִׁבְעַת הַיָּמִים עוֹשֶׂה אָדָם אֶת בֵּיתוֹ עַרְאַי וְאֶת סֻכָּתוֹ קֶבַע שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (ויקרא כג מב) "בַּסֻּכֹּת תֵּשְׁבוּ שִׁבְעַת יָמִים". כֵּיצַד. כֵּלִים הַנָּאִים וּמַצָּעוֹת הַנָּאוֹת בַּסֻּכָּה. וּכְלֵי שְׁתִיָּה כְּגוֹן אֲשִׁישׁוֹת וְכוֹסוֹת בַּסֻּכָּה. אֲבָל כְּלֵי אֲכִילָה כְּגוֹן קְדֵרוֹת וּקְעָרוֹת חוּץ לַסֻכָּה. הַמְּנוֹרָה בַּסֻּכָּה. וְאִם הָיְתָה סֻכָּה קְטַנָּה מַנִּיחָהּ חוּץ לַסֻּכָּה:

How must the mitzvah of dwelling in the sukkah be fulfilled? A person must eat, drink, and live in the sukkah throughout all seven days [of the festival], both during the day and at night, 43a derives this concept by drawing an analogy (גזרה שוה) to the seven days of preparation for the dedication of the Sanctuary. Thus, just as the priests were required to stay in the Sanctuary for seven days - day and night - similarly, the mitzvah of sukkah must be observed in the same manner. in the same manner as he dwells in his home throughout the year.During these seven days, he must consider his house as a temporary dwelling and the sukkah as his permanent home, 2:8. In his commentary on that Mishnah, the Rambam defines קבע as "of primary importance and a constant practice." as [Leviticus 23:42] states: "You shall dwell in sukkot for seven days."What does this imply? His attractive utensils and attractive bedding [should be brought] to the sukkah. His drinking utensils - i.e., his cups and crystal pitchers - [should be brought] to the sukkah. However, utensils used for food - i.e., pans and plates - [may be left] outside the sukkah. 639:5). [Needless to say, plates that must be washed must be removed from the sukkah.]The printed (as opposed to certain manuscripts) text of Rashi (Sukkah 29a) also shares the Rambam's interpretation. Tosafot explains the passage slightly differently, rendering "utensils used for food" as "utensils used in the preparation of food" - i.e., pots and pans. A candelabra [should be brought] to the sukkah. However, if the sukkah is small, it should be left outside the sukkah., ibid.). This differs from Rashi's interpretation of Sukkah, ibid., which explains that the Talmud is referring to an earthenware lamp. Thus, we may assume that it should not be brought into the sukkah because it is unattractive. This, appears to justify the statements of the Maggid Mishneh, who writes that the lamp should not be brought into the sukkah when it is not burning. Both opinions are quoted by the later halachic authorities (Shulchan Aruch HaRav 639:3; Mishnah Berurah 639:7-8).

אוֹכְלִין וְשׁוֹתִין וִישֵׁנִים בַּסֻּכָּה כָּל שִׁבְעָה בֵּין בַּיּוֹם וּבֵין בַּלַּיְלָה. וְאָסוּר לֶאֱכל סְעֻדָּה חוּץ לַסֻכָּה כָּל שִׁבְעָה אֶלָּא אִם אָכַל אֲכִילַת עֲרַאי כְּבֵיצָה אוֹ פָּחוֹת אוֹ יֶתֶר מְעַט. וְאֵין יְשֵׁנִים חוּץ לַסֻכָּה אֲפִלּוּ שְׁנַת עֲרַאי. וּמֻתָּר לִשְׁתּוֹת מַיִם וְלֶאֱכל פֵּרוֹת חוּץ לַסֻּכָּה. וּמִי שֶׁיַּחֲמִיר עַל עַצְמוֹ וְלֹא יִשְׁתֶּה חוּץ לַסֻכָּה אֲפִלּוּ מַיִם הֲרֵי זֶה מְשֻׁבָּח:

We should eat, drink, and sleep in the sukkah through the entire seven days [of the festival], both during the day and at night. It is forbidden to eat a meal outside the sukkah for the entire seven [day period]. explains that this expression includes the Sabbath and festivals, thus excluding the opinions which maintain that any meal of bread eaten on the Sabbath or festivals is significant and cannot be considered as a snack. See the commentary of Rabbi Akiva Eiger. However, [there is no prohibition] if one eats a snack 26a defines "a snack" as "what the students will eat before they enter the study sessions." In his commentary on the Mishnah, Sukkah 2:4, the Rambam explains it as "a small amount, [eaten] without considering it as a meal, in order to satisfy one's hunger [temporarily], until one can complete eating afterwards."Rabbenu Manoach explains that though there is no prohibition involved, it is not desirable to eat even a snack of bread outside the sukkah. the measure of a k'beitzah or less, of bread was brought once to Rabbi Tzadok and he ate it outside the sukkah. or even slightly more. (Orach Chayim 639:2) restricts the leniency to a k'beitzah (approximately 56 cubic centimeters according to Shiurei Torah and, in this instance, 41 cubic centimeters according to the Chazon Ish) alone (See Tosafot, Yoma 79a.) The same principles are also applied to cooked foods made from the five species of grain.One may not sleep outside the sukkah at all, even a brief nap. 26a; Jerusalem Talmud, Sukkah 2:5.)At present, there are many communities where leniency is taken in this regard. In some climates, the cold will cause everyone to consider sleeping in the sukkah as uncomfortable and, hence, they are freed of that obligation. Furthermore, in many communities, there is also a danger involved. In addition, if a husband would sleep in a sukkah, he would deprive his wife of some of the happiness and satisfaction that should accompany a festival. (See Ramah, Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chayim 639:2.)Nevertheless, many authorities explain that these leniencies apply only at night, but during the day one is obligated to sleep in the sukkah. It is permissible to drink water 639:2), outside the sukkah. There is a difference of opinion among the later halachic authorities if this decision also applies when one sits down to a party centering on drinking wine (קובע עצמו לשתות). Some (the Bach and Shulchan Aruch HaRav 639:12) require that such drinking be carried out in a sukkah. However, others (the Vilna Gaon and the Mishnah Berurah 639:13) are more lenient. and eat fruit outside the sukkah. 27a relates that Rabbi Elazar ben Shamu'a ate dates and grapes outside the sukkah, because "fruit does not require a sukkah."Rabbenu Manoach and some other commentaries maintain that this leniency applies only to fruit. In contrast, meat, fish, cheese, and other substantial foods which form the basis of a meal must be eaten in a sukkah. While many later halachic authorities do not accept this view, some maintain that one should not sit down with company to a meal of such foods outside a sukkah. (See Shulchan Aruch HaRav 639:11; Mishnah Berurah 639:15.) However, a person who follows the stringency of not drinking even water outside the sukkah is worthy of praise. 26b explains that often our Sages counselled against accepting extra stringencies upon oneself, lest one take pride in one's piety. However, in this instance they make no such reservations.

אֲכִילָה בְּלֵילֵי יוֹם טוֹב הָרִאשׁוֹן בַּסֻּכָּה חוֹבָה. אֲפִלּוּ אָכַל כְּזַיִת פַּת יָצָא יְדֵי חוֹבָתוֹ. מִכָּאן וְאֵילָךְ רְשׁוּת. רָצָה לֶאֱכל סְעֻדָּה סוֹעֵד בַּסֻּכָּה. רָצָה אֵינוֹ אוֹכֵל כָּל שִׁבְעָה אֶלָּא פֵּרוֹת אוֹ קְלָיוֹת חוּץ לַסֻּכָּה אוֹכֵל כְּדִין אֲכִילַת מַצָּה בְּפֶסַח:

Eating in the sukkah on the first night of the festival is an obligation. 27a draws an analogy between the first night of Sukkot and the first night of Pesach. Just as eating a k'zayit of matzah on the fifteenth of Nisan is a mitzvah, so too, each Jewish male is required to eat in the sukkah on the fifteenth of Tishre. If a person eats merely a k'zayit of bread,, and 48 cubic centimeters according to the Chazon Ish. he fulfills his obligation. Afterwards, [the matter is left to one's] volition. has been fulfilled (Maggid Mishneh; Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chayim 639:3). If one desires to eat a meal, one must eat it in the sukkah. If one desires, throughout the seven [days of the festival], one may eat only fruit or roasted grain outside of the sukkah. explains that the Rambam is speaking only from the perspective of the mitzvah of sukkah. However, one is obligated to eat three meals on the Sabbath as an expression of the mitzvah of honoring the Sabbath and taking pleasure in its celebration. (See Hilchot Shabbat 30:9.) Similarly, one is required to eat festive meals on the first day of Sukkot in honor of the holiday. These meals must be eaten in the sukkah. The same laws apply as those regarding the eating of matzah on Pesach. 6:1, after the first night of the festival a person is not obligated to eat matzah and may subsist on other foods. Similarly, on Sukkot one may eat foods that do not require consumption within a sukkah.However, according to most authorities, his choice of words is not exact. The mitzvah of sukkah differs from that of matzah. In the latter instance, there is no mitzvah involved in eating matzah after the first night of the holiday. In contrast, every activity performed in the sukkah constitutes a further fulfillment of the mitzvah.Accordingly, after the first night of the festival no special blessing is recited before partaking of matzah. In contrast, as stated in Halachah 12, a blessing is recited every time we make use of the sukkah. See also the Moznaim publication of Hilchot Chametz U'Matzah 6:1.

מִי שֶׁהָיָה רֹאשׁוֹ וְרֻבּוֹ בַּסֻּכָּה וְשֻׁלְחָנוֹ בְּתוֹךְ בֵּיתוֹ אוֹ חוּץ לַסֻּכָּה וְאוֹכֵל הֲרֵי זֶה אָסוּר וּכְאִלּוּ לֹא אָכַל בַּסֻּכָּה עַד שֶׁיִּהְיֶה שֻׁלְחָנוֹ בְּתוֹךְ הַסֻּכָּה. גְּזֵרָה שֶׁמָּא יִמָּשֵׁךְ אַחַר שֻׁלְחָנוֹ. וַאֲפִלּוּ בְּסֻכָּה גְּדוֹלָה:

It is forbidden for a person to sit and eat with his head and the majority of his body inside a sukkah while his table is in his home or outside the sukkah. 2:6) records a difference of opinion on this matter between the School of Shammai and the School of Hillel. In this instance, the halachah follows the School of Shammai. It is considered as if he did not eat inside the sukkah. 3a explains that the Sages' decree is powerful enough to nullify the person's actions entirely, and it is considered as if he never fulfilled the mitzvah at all. [Rather,] the table must also be inside the sukkah. This was decreed lest one be drawn after one's table. This law applies even in a large sukkah.

כָּל שִׁבְעַת הַיָּמִים קוֹרֵא בְּתוֹךְ הַסֻּכָּה. וּכְשֶׁמֵּבִין וּמְדַקְדֵּק בְּמַה שֶּׁיִּקְרָא יָבִין חוּץ לַסֻכָּה כְּדֵי שֶׁתִּהְיֶה דַּעְתּוֹ מְיֻשֶּׁבֶת עָלָיו. הַמִּתְפַּלֵּל רָצָה מִתְפַּלֵּל בַּסֻּכָּה אוֹ חוּץ לַסֻּכָּה:

Throughout the seven days [of the festival], a person should read in the sukkah. However, when he attempts to comprehend what he reads in depth and appreciate its details, he should do so outside the sukkah, explains that any time it is necessary to study a concept in depth, one should do so outside the sukkah... so that his mind will be settled. 639:13 adds a further reason to study at home: the difficulty in bringing one's texts back and forth from the sukkah. The Magen Avraham explains that this matter also depends on the individual person. If he is as comfortable studying in the sukkah as studying at home, he is obligated to do so.When a person prays, 639:14) he may pray inside the sukkah or outside the sukkah, as he desires.

יָרְדוּ גְּשָׁמִים הֲרֵי זֶה נִכְנָס לְתוֹךְ הַבַּיִת. מֵאֵימָתַי מֻתָּר לִפָּנוֹת, מִשֶּׁיָּרְדוּ לְתוֹךְ הַסֻּכָּה טִפּוֹת שֶׁאִם יִפְּלוּ לְתוֹךְ הַתַּבְשִׁיל יִפָּסֵל, אֲפִלּוּ תַּבְשִׁיל שֶׁל פּוֹל. הָיָה אוֹכֵל בַּסֻּכָּה וְיָרְדוּ גְּשָׁמִים וְנִכְנַס לְבֵיתוֹ וּפָסְקוּ הַגְּשָׁמִים אֵין מְחַיְּבִים אוֹתוֹ לַחֲזֹר לַסֻּכָּה (כָּל אוֹתוֹ הַלַּיְלָה) עַד שֶׁיִּגְמֹר סְעֻדָּתוֹ. הָיָה יָשֵׁן וְיָרְדוּ גְּשָׁמִים בַּלַּיְלָה וְנִכְנַס לְתוֹךְ הַבַּיִת וּפָסְקוּ הַגְּשָׁמִים אֵין מַטְרִיחִין אוֹתוֹ לַחֲזֹר לַסֻכָּה כָּל אוֹתוֹ הַלַּיְלָה אֶלָּא יָשֵׁן בְּבֵיתוֹ עַד שֶׁיַּעֲלֶה עַמּוּד הַשַּׁחַר:

If rain descends, a person may enter his home. 2:8) compares the matter to a servant who came to serve his master drink and the latter poured the pitcher in his face.Tzafenat Paneach explains that there is a fundamental difference between this law and the case of a person who is uncomfortable while in the sukkah. In the latter instance, in essence, the person is obligated to fulfill the mitzvah. However, because of his discomfort, his obligation is temporarily waived. In contrast, when rain descends it is impossible to fulfill the mitzvah at all, because the sukkah is not fit to dwell in. Hence, there is no obligation whatsoever.There is a practical difference between these two abstract positions regarding the question whether a person is obligated to eat in the sukkah on the first night of the holiday even when it rains. (See the commentary on Halachah 7.) According to the Tzafenat Paneach, under these circumstances there is no mitzvah which one is required to fulfill. Thus, one may eat at home. In contrast, most authorities do not differentiate between rain and other uncomfortable situations. Thus, since eating in the sukkah on that night is a binding obligation, they require a person to fulfill the mitzvah.There is a further aspect to this concept. The Maharil explains that a person who eats in a sukkah when he is not obligated to do so is a simple person and receives no reward for his "piety." On this basis, in many communities, people make no effort to stay in the sukkah when it rains. In contrast, there are some communities where people will continue to eat in the sukkah despite pouring rain.What is the difference between these two approaches? The first approach follows the perspective that, during the rain, there is no mitzvah to dwell in the sukkah whatsoever. Hence, there is no need to strain oneself to remain there. In contrast, the second perspective does not differentiate between rain and any other uncomfortable circumstances, but maintains that, in essence, dwelling in the sukkah is a mitzvah even under such circumstances. Accordingly, they remain in the sukkah, because while they are involved in fulfilling God's will they do not feel even the slightest trace of discomfort. When is one permitted to leave [the sukkah]? When enough raindrops descend into the sukkah so that they would spoil a cooked dish 639:5). - even a dish of beans 2:8). - were they to fall into it.If a person was eating in the sukkah and rain descended, and hence, he entered his home, if the rains stop we do not obligate him to return to his sukkah {that entire night} or in the quotation of this halachah in the Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 639:6). until he is finished eating.If he was sleeping and rain descended, 639:7) emphasizes that even the slightest amount of rain is sufficient to free one from the obligation of sleeping in the sukkah. and hence, he entered his home, we do not obligate him to return to his sukkah that entire night should the rains cease. 639:39). Rather, he may remain sleeping in his house that entire night until dawn. and Rabbenu Manoach note that the Rambam's choice of phraseology implies that the person cannot sleep his normal measure, but must rise at dawn to return to the sukkah. They are not stringent and allow the person to remain sleeping at home until he wakes up. The Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 639:7) quotes the Rambam's statements verbatim. However, the Ramah includes this leniency.

גָּמַר מִלֶּאֱכל בַּיּוֹם הַשְּׁבִיעִי בְּשַׁחֲרִית לֹא יַתִּיר סֻכָּתוֹ. אֲבָל מוֹרִיד הוּא אֶת כֵּלָיו וּמְפַנֶּה אוֹתָן מִן הַמִּנְחָה וּלְמַעְלָה. אֵין לוֹ מָקוֹם לְפַנּוֹת פּוֹחֵת בָּהּ אַרְבָּעָה עַל אַרְבָּעָה. וְאִם הֻצְרַךְ לִסְעֹד בִּשְׁאָר הַיּוֹם צָרִיךְ לֶאֱכל בַּסֻּכָּה, שֶׁמִּצְוָתָהּ כָּל שִׁבְעָה:

A person should not take apart his sukkah after he finishes eating on the seventh day [of Sukkot]. However, from the afternoon on, he may take down his utensils and remove them. 4:7.)If he has no place to put the utensils, 48a)... he should reduce its space by at least four handbreadths by four handbreadths. 666).The Ramah adds that this requirement applies only when one desires to eat in the sukkah on Shemini Atzeret. Once that holiday passes, one may eat in a sukkah without making any changes.If he has to eat later that day,... he must eat in the sukkah, because the mitzvah extends throughout the seven days.

כָּל זְמַן שֶׁיִּכָּנֵס לֵישֵׁב בַּסֻּכָּה כָּל שִׁבְעָה מְבָרֵךְ קֹדֶם שֶׁיֵּשֵׁב אֲשֶׁר קִדְּשָׁנוּ בְּמִצְוֹתָיו וְצִוָּנוּ לֵישֵׁב בַּסֻּכָּה. וּבְלֵילֵי יוֹם טוֹב הָרִאשׁוֹן מְבָרֵךְ עַל הַסֻּכָּה וְאַחַר כָּךְ עַל הַזְּמַן. וּמְסַדֵּר כָּל הַבְּרָכוֹת עַל הַכּוֹס. נִמְצָא מְקַדֵּשׁ מְעֻמָּד וּמְבָרֵךְ לֵישֵׁב בַּסֻּכָּה וְיוֹשֵׁב וְאַחַר כָּךְ מְבָרֵךְ עַל הַזְּמַן. וְכָזֶה הָיָה מִנְהַג רַבּוֹתַי וְרַבָּנֵי סְפָרַד לְקַדֵּשׁ מְעֵמָּד בְּלַיִל רִאשׁוֹן שֶׁל חַג הַסֻּכּוֹת כְּמוֹ שֶׁבֵּאַרְנוּ:

Whenever a person enters a sukkah with the intention of sitting down throughout the seven [days of Sukkot], he should recite the following blessing before sitting:[Blessed 11:2.The Maggid Mishneh questions why the blessing is not recited before one enters the sukkah, noting that the interpretation of the command לישב בסוכה is "to dwell in the sukkah," not "to sit in the sukkah." However, the Taz 643:2 explains that merely passing through the sukkah is not part of the mitzvah. Rather, one must perform an activity that reflects "dwelling." Hence, the blessing is not recited until one sits down, because previously it is not obvious that one wants to perform a significant activity in the sukkah.The Ra'avad objects to the Rambam's decision, maintaining that one should recite the blessing only before partaking of a meal in the sukkah. This reflects the decision of the Ashkenazic authorities, who maintain that though the performance of all one's activities in the sukkah is a mitzvah, it is not customary to recite the blessing except when eating. When reciting the blessing on that occasion, one should intend to include all other activities. (See Tur and Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chayim 639:8.) are You...] who has sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us to dwell in the sukkah. states that there is no limit to the number of times one recites the blessing each day. Nevertheless, if one left the sukkah for a brief interval or left with the intent of performing an activity which would improve the sukkah, that departure is not considered an interruption and no blessing is required upon one's return.On the first night of the festival, one should first recite the blessing on the sukkah, and then the blessing for the occasion., which thanks God for enabling us to reach this occasion. This blessing is recited whenever one performs a mitzvah that can be fulfilled only from time to time (Hilchot Berachot 11:9).That halachah and, similarly, Sukkah 46a, imply that, at the outset, one should recite the blessing shehecheyanu upon construction of the sukkah. Though the Rambam makes no mention of that concept here, the Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 641:1) states that one should have the construction of the sukkah in mind when reciting shehecheyanu at night.One should recite all the blessings over a cup of wine. 46a). Thus, one should recite kiddush while standing, 643:2) states that kiddush may be recited while sitting. recite the blessing leishev basukkah, would be recited first, since it is more frequent, precedence is given to leishev basukkah, because it is "the mitzvah of the day" (Rabbenu Manoach). sit, and then recite the blessing shehecheyanu. before the blessing leishev basukkah, since on that occasion the blessing is associated with the celebration of the festival and not the mitzvah of sukkah. (See Bnei Binyamin.)This was the custom of my teachers and the Rabbis state רבי "the great men of" and not רבני, "the Rabbis of." of Spain: to recite kiddush while standing on the first night of the Sukkot festival, as explained.

בַּזְּמַן הַזֶּה שֶׁאָנוּ עוֹשִׂין שְׁנֵי יָמִים טוֹבִים. יוֹשְׁבִין בַּסֻּכָּה שְׁמוֹנָה יָמִים. וּבַיּוֹם הַשְּׁמִינִי שֶׁהוּא יוֹם טוֹב רִאשׁוֹן שֶׁל שְׁמִינִי עֲצֶרֶת יוֹשְׁבִין בָּהּ וְאֵין מְבָרְכִין לֵישֵׁב בַּסֻּכָּה. וְכֵן טֻמְטוּם וְאַנְדְּרוֹגִינוּס לְעוֹלָם אֵין מְבָרְכִין לֵישֵׁב בַּסֻּכָּה מִפְּנֵי שֶׁהֵן חַיָּבִים מִסָּפֵק וְאֵין מְבָרְכִין מִסָּפֵק:

At present, (Hilchot Kiddush HaChodesh, Chapter 9) when we celebrate holidays for two days,, Chapters 3 and 5.) we dwell in the sukkah for eight days. 28b).Nevertheless, many Ashkenazic authorities would carry out additional safeguards regarding this matter. For example, the Tur relates (though he opposes this practice himself) that some follow the custom of eating in the Sukkah only on the day of Shemini Atzeret, but not the night. Many of the Rabbis who would sleep in the Sukkah throughout the festival refrain from doing so on Shemini Atzeret. (See K'tav Sofer, Responsum 120.) On the eighth day, which is the first day of the holiday of Shemini Atzeret, 48a). we dwell in the sukkah, but do not recite the blessing leishev basukkah. 47a relates that "Rav Huna bar Bizna and all the great Sages of the generation dwelled in a sukkah on the eighth day - which might have been the seventh day - [of the festival], but did not recite a blessing."Similarly, a tumtum and an androgynous never recite the blessing leishev basukkah, because their obligation [to perform the mitzvah is based] on doubt, and a blessing is never recited when one is doubtful [of one's obligation]. and an androgynous. However, on Shemini Atzeret, when there is a doubt concerning the obligation of the entire Jewish people even the Ashkenazic authorities would agree that a blessing should not be recited.

גָּמַר מִלֶּאֱכל בַּיּוֹם הַשְּׁמִינִי מוֹרִיד כֵּלָיו וּמְפַנֶּה אוֹתָהּ. אֵין לוֹ מָקוֹם לְהוֹרִיד אֶת כֵּלָיו אִם הָיְתָה קְטַנָּה מַכְנִיס בָּהּ מְנוֹרָה. וְאִם הָיְתָה גְּדוֹלָה מַכְנִיס בָּהּ קְדֵרוֹת וּקְעָרוֹת וְכַיּוֹצֵא בָּהֶן כְּדֵי לְהַזְכִּיר שֶׁהִיא פְּסוּלָה וְשֶׁכְּבָר נִגְמְרָה מִצְוָתָהּ וּמִפְּנֵי שֶׁהוּא יוֹם טוֹב אֵינוֹ יָכוֹל לִפְחֹת בָּהּ וּלְפָסְלָהּ:

After a person finishes eating on the eighth day [of Sukkot], he should take down his utensils and remove them.When a person has no place to put the utensils, [the following rules apply]: If it is a small [sukkah], he should bring his candelabra into it; 48a, which states: "light his lamp there." (See Kessef Mishneh, Halachah 5.) if it is a large sukkah, he should bring in his pots, plates, and the like, to bring to mind that it is no longer acceptable and that its mitzvah is completed. Since the day is a holiday, one may not reduce its space and nullify it.

מִי שֶׁלֹּא עָשָׂה סֻכָּה בֵּין בְּשׁוֹגֵג בֵּין בְּמֵזִיד עוֹשֶׂה סֻכָּה בְּחֻלּוֹ שֶׁל מוֹעֵד. אֲפִלּוּ בְּסוֹף יוֹם שְׁבִיעִי עוֹשֶׂה סֻכָּה, שֶׁמִּצְוָתָהּ כָּל שִׁבְעָה. עֲצֵי סֻכָּה אֲסוּרִין כָּל שְׁמוֹנַת יְמֵי הֶחָג בֵּין עֲצֵי דְּפָנוֹת בֵּין עֲצֵי סְכָךְ אֵין נֵאוֹתִין מֵהֶן לְדָבָר אַחֵר כָּל שְׁמוֹנַת הַיָּמִים מִפְּנֵי שֶׁיּוֹם הַשְּׁבִיעִי כֻּלּוֹ הַסֻּכָּה מֻקְצָה עַד בֵּין הַשְּׁמָשׁוֹת וְהוֹאִיל וְהֻקְצַת לְבֵין הַשְּׁמָשׁוֹת שֶׁל שְׁמִינִי הֻקְצַת לְכָל הַיּוֹם:

A person who did not construct a sukkah [before the holiday] 27b explains that not only a person whose sukkah fell down in the middle of the festival should reconstruct it, but even one who never built a sukkah at all is entitled to do so. - whether intentionally or unintentionally - should construct a sukkah on Chol Hamo'ed. 27b interprets this verse to mean that a sukkah may be built during the seven days of the festival.The Jerusalem Talmud (Sukkah 2:7) explains that Rabbi Eleazar wanted to forbid a person who purposely did not build a sukkah from doing so during the festival, as a punishment for his failure to prepare for the festival. However, the Sages did not accept that premise.A sukkah may not be constructed on the first day of the festival, even if the walls are already built and all that is necessary is to spread s'chach over it. However, even though certain types of work are forbidden on Chol Hamo'ed, there is no prohibition in this instance (Bi'ur Halachah 637). One should even construct a sukkah on the final moments of the seventh day, because its mitzvah lasts throughout the seventh day.The wood with which the sukkah was constructed is forbidden [to be used for other purposes] 638:1). on all eight days of the festival. 9a derives the prohibition against using the wood of the sukkah for other purposes throughout Sukkot from Leviticus 23:34: "The Sukkot festival shall be seven days unto God." The latter term is used also regarding the Chaggigah offering sacrificed on the festival. Thus, its use in this context implies that the entities which enable us to celebrate the Sukkot festival must be consecrated "unto God" like those sacrifices.The reason why the wood of the sukkah may not be used on the eighth day is explained below. This applies to both the wood used for the walls and the wood used for the s'chach.. Hence, the prohibition applies only to the s'chach and not to the sukkah walls. The Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 638:1) quotes the Rambam's opinion. However, the Taz (638:1) explains that the prohibition against using the walls is only Rabbinic in nature.Rav Chayim Soloveitchik explains that though the word sukkah as used by the Torah refers to the s'chach and not to the walls, a different principle is involved in this instance. The Torah teaches us that all the entities which enable us to fulfill the mitzvah of sukkah may not be used for other purposes. Since the sukkah walls also serve that purpose, because a sukkah is not kosher without walls, they are also included in that prohibition. Throughout [these] eight days, no benefit may be derived from it for other purposes. may be used for the walls and vice versa.[They are prohibited on the eighth day] because the sukkah is muktzeh literally means "set aside." In this context, it refers to objects which may not be used for mundane purposes. the entire seventh day, including the period beyn hash'mashot. is the period between sunset and the emergence of three stars. Since it was muktzeh during the period beyn hash'mashot, it is muktzeh on the entire day [that follows]. 25:10 states: "Any utensil which is forbidden to be moved during beyn hash'mashot is forbidden to be moved throughout the entire Sabbath, even after the factor that caused its prohibition has passed."

וְכֵן אֳכָלִין וּמַשְׁקִין שֶׁתּוֹלִין בַּסֻּכָּה כְּדֵי לְנָאוֹתָהּ אָסוּר לְהִסְתַּפֵּק מֵהֶן כָּל שְׁמוֹנָה. וְאִם הִתְנָה עֲלֵיהֶן בְּשָׁעָה שֶׁתְּלָאָן וְאָמַר אֵינִי בּוֹדֵל מֵהֶן כָּל בֵּין הַשְּׁמָשׁוֹת הֲרֵי זֶה מִסְתַּפֵּק מֵהֶן בְּכָל עֵת שֶׁיִּרְצֶה. שֶׁהֲרֵי לֹא הִקְצָה אוֹתָם וְלֹא חָלָה עֲלֵיהֶן קְדֻשַּׁת הַסֻּכָּה וְלֹא נֶחְשְׁבוּ כְּמוֹתָהּ:

Similarly, it is forbidden to take from the food and beverages that were hung in the sukkah as decorations 638:2). As mentioned in the commentary on Halachot 17 and 18, the sukkah decorations are not considered an independent entity, but rather as part of the sukkah itself. Furthermore, employing articles used to decorate a mitzvah for other purposes demonstrates lack of respect for the mitzvah (Rabbenu Nissim, Beitzah). Hence, the same restrictions that apply to the sukkah apply to it. for all eight days [of the festival]. However, if at the time one hung [the decorations], he made the condition: "I will not refrain from using them during the entire period of beyn hash'mashot," 10b).The Ramban and the Ramah differ, and require that the person stipulate that he will not refrain from using the decorations during the entire period of beyn hash'mashot of each of the eight days of the festival. If he makes the condition regarding the first day alone, the decorations become forbidden on the subsequent days of the festival. he is entitled to use them whenever he desires,, in this instance the condition has an effect. It is possible for a sukkah to exist without decorations, but not without walls (Rabbenu Manoach). because he did not set them aside, nor did the sanctity of the sukkah encompass them, nor are they considered part of it.