A practical guide to Erev Sukkos preparations, including Tzedakah, Yom Tov clothing and gifts, baking Challah, grooming, meal restrictions, binding the Lulav, checking the Sukkah, and candle lighting.
Introduction
Erev Sukkos is a busy and exciting day as we complete our preparations for the Yom Tov of Sukkos. Beyond building the Sukkah and purchasing the Four Minim, Chazal instituted numerous preparations that help a person enter the festival with honor, joy, and proper spiritual focus. The following are the most important practical preparations that every Jewish household should review before Yom Tov begins.
Important Disclaimer
This is a practical summary only. Many details, customs, measurements, and special cases have been omitted. For complete laws and practical applications, consult the full Sukkos volume or a competent Rav.
Increasing in Tzedakah
- Erev Sukkos is a time to increase in charity and kindness. One should give extra Tzedakah and ensure that the less fortunate are able to celebrate Yom Tov properly.
- Included in this obligation is helping provide food and inviting needy individuals to participate in Yom Tov meals.
Rejoicing One’s Family
- A Biblical mitzvah exists to rejoice on Yom Tov.
- This obligation includes not only oneself but also one’s spouse, children, and household members.
- Accordingly, a husband should purchase an appropriate Yom Tov gift for his wife according to his financial ability.
- Traditionally this takes the form of jewelry or clothing.
- If one cannot afford these items, purchasing a new pair of shoes also fulfills the mitzvah.
Baking Challahs for Yom Tov
- It is proper to bake Challahs specially for Yom Tov and not rely entirely on bakery purchases. Baking one’s own Challah is considered part of the honor of Yom Tov.
- One should ideally prepare enough dough to require the mitzvah of Hafrashas Challah.
Personal Preparations
Just as one honors Shabbos, one should honor Yom Tov through proper grooming and cleanliness.
This includes:
- Getting a haircut if needed.
- Cutting fingernails and toenails.
- Bathing in hot water.
- Dressing in clean Yom Tov clothing.
These preparations should be completed before entering Yom Tov.
Eating on Erev Sukkos
- In order to arrive at the Yom Tov meal with an appetite, one should avoid eating a regular meal during the final part of the day.
- Beginning from the tenth halachic hour, approximately three seasonal hours before sunset, one may not eat a regular bread meal.
- Light snacks, fruits, and small amounts of food remain permitted.
Inviting Guests and the Needy
- A Yom Tov meal should not focus solely on personal enjoyment.
- One should make an effort to include those who are lonely, needy, widowed, orphaned, or otherwise lacking a proper Yom Tov celebration.
- The Poskim emphasize that sharing one’s Yom Tov table with others is a fundamental part of Simchas Yom Tov.
Binding the Lulav
- The Lulav should be bound on Erev Sukkos, preferably inside the Sukkah.
- One should personally bind his own Lulav whenever possible rather than having someone else do so.
Checking the Sukkah
- Before leaving for Mincha on Erev Sukkos, one should carefully inspect the Sukkah and verify that it is kosher and ready for use.
Special attention should be given to:
- The stability of the walls.
- The placement and condition of the Sechach.
- The validity of the Four Minim.
- Opening any retractable roof or rain covering before Yom Tov begins.
Any issue discovered should be corrected before sunset.
Candle Lighting
- Yom Tov candles are traditionally lit before sunset at the same time candles are lit on Erev Shabbos.
- The blessing of: “Lehadlik Ner Shel Shabbos Vishel Yom Tov” is recited, followed by Shehechiyanu.
- The ideal location for candle lighting is inside the Sukkah. However, where safety concerns exist, the candles should be lit indoors.
- If candles were not lit before sunset, they may no longer be lit when Yom Tov falls on Shabbos
Preparing a Yom Tov Flame
- It is proper to prepare a 48-hour candle before Yom Tov.
- This provides an existing flame from which candles may be lit on the second night of Yom Tov and for other permitted Yom Tov needs.
Quick Reference Table
| Task | Practical Ruling |
| Increase Tzedakah | Give extra charity and help the needy |
| Simchas Yom Tov | Purchase an appropriate gift for one’s wife |
| Challahs | Bake fresh Challahs for Yom Tov |
| Haircut | Get a haircut if needed |
| Nail Cutting | Cut fingernails and toenails |
| Bathing | Bathe in honor of Yom Tov |
| Afternoon Meals | Avoid a regular meal from the 10th halachic hour |
| Guests | Invite needy individuals when possible |
| Lulav | Bind it personally on Erev Sukkos |
| Sukkah | Verify that it is fully kosher before Yom Tov |
| Candles | Light before sunset |
| 48-hour Candle | Prepare before Yom Tov begins |