Introduction
Long before the first meal is eaten beneath the Sechach, the mitzvah of Sukkah begins with preparation. Every year, Jews throughout the world construct a temporary dwelling in fulfillment of the Divine command to dwell in a Sukkah for seven days.
The Sukkah serves not merely as a booth or temporary shelter, but as a testimony to the Divine protection granted to the Jewish people during their journey through the wilderness, when they were surrounded by the Clouds of Glory. Accordingly, the Sukkah must be built in a manner that reflects its purpose as a structure designed primarily for shade and for the fulfillment of the mitzvah of dwelling therein. This article summarizes the principal laws governing the construction of a kosher Sukkah.
Important Disclaimer
The following is a practical summary only. Due to space limitations, many details, diagrams, measurements, disputes amongst Poskim, applications of Lavud, Tzuras Hapesach, Dofen Akumah, and other laws have been omitted. For the complete discussion, practical applications, illustrations, and source references, please see our Sefer on Sukkos or visit the Sukkah section of ShulchanAruchHarav.com.
- Building the Sukkah:
- The Mitzvah of building a Sukkah:
- It is a command in the Torah to dwell in a Sukkah throughout the seven days of the Sukkos Holiday. As a result of this command, we are required to build a Sukkah prior to Sukkos in order to fulfill the command when the time arrives, and it is thus considered a Mitzvah to do so. Nonetheless, no blessing is recited upon building the Sukkah, in contrast to the ruling by other Mitzvos in which a blessing is said prior to its fulfillment.
- The reason for why G-d commanded us to build a Sukkah: The verse states that we are to dwell in a Sukkah for seven days in order so our future generations remember that G-d settled the Jewish people in Sukkos when he took them out of Egypt. The term Sukkos here refers to the clouds of glory, which surrounded the Jewish people for the sake of giving them shade, so the heat and sun do not injure them. Thus, as a replica of this event, G-d commanded us to [build and then] dwell in a Sukkah that is made for the purpose of providing shade in order so we recall the miracles and wonders [done for us in the desert, in which the clouds of glory surrounded us for shade, and served as a protection from the sun]. Therefore, when dwelling in the Sukkah, every person must have intent to do so in order to fulfill G-d’s command to dwell in the Sukkah in commemoration of the Exodus.
- Is everyone to have their own Sukkah? From the letter of the law, there is no obligation for one to build his own Sukkah, if he has a neighbors Sukkah or publicly shared Sukkah available, in which he can dwell in throughout the duration of Sukkos. Nonetheless, if feasible, it is proper for each family to build their own Sukkah, just as each person has his own home. [In addition, it is quite difficult to properly fulfill the Mitzvah of dwelling in a Sukkah, in a Sukkah that one does not own, and hence it is proper for each person to have their own Sukkah in order to dwell in it properly.]
- Is one obligated to build a Sukkah far from his home if he has no room in or near his property to do so, and there are no neighboring Sukkos available in which he can eat in? Yes. However, some Poskim rule that we do not require one to move to a different city, or to a hotel, for the duration of Sukkos simply for the sake of being able to have a Sukkah nearby
- Saying Lisheim Mitzvas Sukkah: Some are accustomed to reciting Lisheim Mitzvas Sukkah upon placing on the Sechach.
- When to build the Sukkah:
- On Motzei Yom Kippur one begins building the Sukkah, [or at least talking about building it], in order to leave one Mitzvah and enter to another Mitzvah. It is a Mitzvah [if possible] to [finish] building the entire Sukkah the day after Yom Kippur, immediately after one leaves [and arrives home from] Shul. [However, one should not compromise on the quality of the work simply in order to complete it by that day, and if he must delay the building until the next day/s for the sake of bettering its quality then it may be done.]
- May one build his Sukkah on Erev Sukkos? Ideally one is to complete the building of his Sukkah prior to 2.5 hours before sunset. If, however, it is past 2.5 hours before sunset and one has still not built his Sukkah, it may nevertheless still be built.
- Who may build the Sukkah:
- Should one personally build the Sukkah versus having someone else do so for him? It is proper for one to personally place the Sechach onto the Sukkah [and help build the walls] rather than have another person do so for him. [The Rabbeim were not particular to personally build their Sukkah, although it is recalled that the Rebbe was particular to always place some Sechach onto his Sukkah. It is told that Reb Hillel Paritcher was particular to help build the walls of the Sukkah. The Noam Elimelech explains that one is to personally toil to build the Sukkah in order to sanctify his limbs.]
- May women or children build the Sukkah? Walls: Women and children may help build the walls of the Sukkah, even initially. Sechach: Women and children are not to initially place the Sechach over the Sukkah, and it is rather to be placed by an adult Jew who is obligated in the Mitzvah. Nonetheless, if they did so, the Sukkah remains valid.
- May a child above Bar Mitzvah place the Sechach on the Sukkah even though it is unknown if he has grown the signs of puberty? Yes. However, some Poskim are stringent even in such a case.
- May a gentile build the Sukkah? Walls: A gentile may help build the walls of the Sukkah. However, some write that a gentile should not build even the walls of the Sukkah. Sechach: A gentile is not to initially place the Sechach on the Sukkah. If he already did so, the Sukkah is Kosher.
- Where is the Sukkah to be built
- May one build a Sukkah in someone else’s property without permission? One may not build a Sukkah in someone else’s property.
- May one build a Sukkah in his own property if it will infringe on the rights of other neighbors, such as if it blocks their sun and the like? No, unless the neighbors do not mind. If one did so without consent of the neighbors, then one may not say a blessing on such a Sukkah.
- Must one receive legal permission from the municipality to build his Sukkah? No. A Sukkah built in one’s property remains Kosher even if the municipality does not authorize him to build it there.
- May one build a Sukkah in a public property? Initially one may not build a Sukkah in a public area such as on a city street or sidewalk and the like of places that people pass by. This applies even if the entire city is of Jewish population and certainly the Jews do not mind one building his Sukkah there. One is to protest against anyone who makes a Sukkah in a public area. Nevertheless, Bedieved if one built a Sukkah in a public property, he fulfills his obligation. If one transgressed and built a Sukkah in a public property although he fulfills his obligation, nevertheless he may not say a blessing of ‘Leisheiv Basukkah’. [However, many Poskim rule one may even initially build a Sukkah in a public property and say a blessing, and so is the custom. This especially applies if one has received permission from the city municipality.]
- If the city municipality gave permission for one to build his Sukkah in public property, may one do so?
- May one build his Sukkah on his sidewalk? Only with permission of the municipality.
- May one build a Sukkah in the joint property of an apartment complex, such as in the parking lot, or garden/courtyard? One may only do so if he receives permission from the building management and/or the occupants of the building. This applies even if one owns an apartment or lives in the complex.
- Building Sukkah over a lawn: It is forbidden to pour liquid over grass, plants, [trees] and the like on Shabbos or Yom Tov. Due to this reason, when eating outside over a lawn which contains grass, plants or trees one must beware not to spill or pour water over it. [Hence, one should not build his Sukkah over a lawn, as it is very difficult to avoid any spillage. If necessary, one should cover the lawn with a makeshift floor.]
- The dimensions of the Sukkah:
- The height: The Sukkah must be more than 10 Tefachim [82 cm.] high, and may not be more than 20 Amos [10 meters] high. This means that the Sechach may not be a height of 20 Amos from the floor of the Sukkah.
- The length/width: A Sukkah must have the minimum size of seven by seven Tefachim [57.2 x 57.2 cm.]. If it does not have this minimum size, it is invalid. There is no maximum size for the Sukkah. [The Sukkah must be at least seven Tefachim both in width and length. If it is less than seven Tefachim in either length of width, then even if it contains a total space of 7 square Tefach, it is invalid. For example, a Sukkah that is 20 Tefach by 6 Tefach is invalid.]
- Corner areas and rooms in a Sukkah: A Sukkah that contains a corner area that is less than 7×7 Tefachim is invalid, and does not join the rest of the Sukkah. [Likewise, rooms that are separated with Mechitzos are invalid if they contain a dimension that is less than 7×7 Tefachim. Thus, not only must the entire Sukkah be 7×7 Tefachim, but any area of the Sukkah that is separate from the other areas must also contain a dimension of 7×7 Tefachim.]
- Summary: The minimum dimensions of a Sukkah is 57.2 x 57.2 centimeters with a minimum height of 82 centimeters, and a maximum height of 938 cm from the floor to the Sechach.
- Does a Sukkah require a Mezuzah? A Sukkah is not obligated to have a Mezuzah.
- The laws of the walls
- How many walls does a Sukkah require? It is a Mitzvah Min Hamuvchar to have a four walled Sukkah and so is the custom. Likewise, it is customary to make complete walls rather than walls that contain breaches. If one is unable to make four complete walls then it is better to make three complete walls and have one side be open without a wall than to make four walls with breaches. Nevertheless, from the letter of the law it suffices to have two full walls with a third wall using the rule of Lavud. This means that one is not required to have a full third wall but rather can have a partial wall, and following the rules of Lavud, it is considered a full third wall. The exact details of how this is accomplished will be explained below.
- According to the custom, one is to make four complete walls without resorting to the rule of Lavud. However, from the letter of the law it suffices even if all four walls are built using Lavud.
- If on Shabbos or Yom Tov the walls blew off due to wind and invalidated the Sukkah, may it be replaced? No.
- The criteria for a valid wall? A wall is only considered a valid wall if the following four conditions are fulfilled:
- Does not move with wind: A wall is only defined as a wall if it is unable to move with a common wind. If a common wind can blow the wall, as is the case with sheet walls, then it is invalid. [Some Poskim limit this only to a case that a common wind can move the wall a three Tefach distance forward or upward.]
- Is height of 10 Tefach: A wall is only defined as a wall if its height reaches ten Tefach [80 cm] from the ground. If the wall’s height reaches below ten Tefach from the ground it is invalid. If the wall reaches ten Tefach from the ground but is elevated from the ground, then if it is within three Tefach from the ground and reaches to ten Tefach from the ground, it is valid. Thus, technically, one can have a wall which is 7.1 Tefach tall and place it 2.9 Tefach from the ground and it is valid.
- Is within three Tefach from ground: The wall must be within three Tefach from the ground. Even if the wall is very high, if it is not placed within three Tefach from the ground, it is invalid.
- Is within three Tefach from Sechach: The wall must be within three [horizontal] Tefach of the Sechach for it to be validated as a wall for that Sechach. [This however only applies if there is empty space between the wall and the Sechach. If, however, there is invalid Sechach in the above area, then the wall remains valid so long as it is within 4 Amos [196 cm] of the Sechach.
- Amud Meruba Al Haparutz-There is more wall than breaches: At least two of the walls must contain more wall space than breaches, this means that the side of the Sukkah must contain more closed wall space, then empty space.
- How many walls must fulfill these conditions: At least two of the Sukkah walls must meet the above requirements while a third wall is to meet the requirements of Lavud. Any wall that does not meet the above requirements, is invalid.
- May one use as one of the three Halachically required walls a sliding or removable door? Yes, a door may be used as one of the three minimum required walls of a Sukkah, however the Sukkah is only Kosher when the door is closed. When the door is opened, the Sukkah is considered to have lost its wall and is considered invalid. Furthermore, at the initial time that the Sechach is erected, the doors must be closed. However, once erected properly, it is permitted later on to open and close this door, even though it nullifies the Sukkah at the time of its opening. One must note that on Shabbos and Yom Tov it would remain forbidden to open and close this door, being it is invalidated when opened, and then re-validated when closed.
- How long must each wall be? The minimum size of a Sukkah is seven by seven Tefachim [57.2 x 57.2 cm]. Thus, technically one is required to have three walls which are seven Tefach long. However, using the Biblical rules of Lavud, it suffices to have one wall of 7 Tefach. This can be accomplished in the following way: One has a single wall which is seven Tefach long, with another wall of 4 Tefach horizontal to it, within 3 Tefach from the end of the 7 Tefach wall. The third wall can then be made with Lavud and Tzuras Hapesach. Thus, it is possible to make a Sukkah with only one wall of seven Tefach. Nevertheless, as stated above, the custom is to make complete walls without resorting to the rules of Lavud.
- How does one make a third wall using Lavud? If one has two walls which are parallel to each other then one is to place a Mechitza which is 4 Tefach wide [32cm.] within three Tefach [24cm.] from the end of one of the walls. Hence, using Lavud one has a total of 7 Tefach.
- Sechach that extends past the walls of a Sukkah: If a Sukkah contains Sechach that extends past the back wall of the Sukkah, and the two horizontal walls likewise extend past the back wall [Figure A], then if that area is at least 7x 7 Tefachim, it is Kosher so long as it provides majority shade. If a Sukkah contains three walls and there is Sechach extending past the open side and one of the walls of the Sukkah extends together with the Sechach [Figure B], then if that area is 7×7, that area is considered part of the Sukkah and it is permitted to eat under it even though it contains only one extending wall.
- The material of the walls: The walls may be made using any material [that does not move with a common wind], even if the material does not lend shade to the Sukkah [such as glass or transparent plastic]. Nevertheless, one is not to use materials that give off a foul odor or which dry out within 7 days. The walls may be made even initially from material that is Halachically unfit for use as Sechach.
- Using sheets as a wall: One is not to use sheets whether of material or plastic as a wall being that it is difficult to ascertain that the sheets will not move with the wind. However, it is permitted to use sheets if one places poles within three Tefach using Lavud to make the wall, as in such a case even if the sheets move with the wind the wall remains Kosher due to the poles which are Lavud. [According to all, Bedieved if one used sheet walls that do not move with the wind the Sukkah is Kosher even if Lavud was not used.]
- Practically are Sukkos with plastic walls initially valid? If the walls allow the placing of string or poles to perform Lavud to make three walls, then it is valid according to all even initially. However, if Lavud is not being used one should not use such a Sukkah being it is possible that the walls will become loose and move with the wind. However, from the letter of the law if the plastic does not move with the wind, it is valid. Some Poskim rule that it is even initially permitted to use plastic sheets if they are tightly attached as it is not possible to be with the wind.
- The order of building-Setting up the walls before the Sechach?
- One is not to place the Sechach over the [frame of the] Sukkah prior to building the [Halachically valid] walls.
- If one transgressed and first placed the Sechach over the frame and only then built the walls, some Poskim rule the Sukkah is valid. Other Poskim, however, rule the Sukkah is invalid. [Practically, we rule that the Sukkah is invalid, and one is hence to undo the Sechach and replace it. It suffices to simply lift the entire Sechach one Tefach and then replace it.]
- If after building the Sukkah in its proper order, the walls blew off, must one remove the Sechach prior to replacing the walls? In a case that the Sukkah was erected in the correct order [first walls and then Sechach] then it is not necessary to remove the Sechach prior to fixing the walls, if the walls fell over. However, some Poskim rule that if this occurred before Sukkos one is required to replace the Sechach.
- An old Sukkah-Using a Sukkah that remains intact throughout the year:
- The Sukkah must be made only in order to give shade: Just as the clouds of glory were there to give us shade from the sun, similarly the Sukkah is only valid when made in order to only give shade. If it was made to serve for also other purposes, such as storage and the like then it is not considered a Sukkah but rather a house and is inherently invalid.
- Retractable roof: If the Sukkah [with its Sechach] is used throughout the year as one’s dwelling place of eating and sleeping and performance of majority of one’s actions, it is invalid, and [all] the Sechach must be lifted and placed back on each year before Sukkos. It suffices to simply lift up [all] the Sechach and place it back down. [It does not suffice to simply lift a Tefach worth of Sechach.] If, however, one does not live in the Sukkah, even if he uses it for certain purposes, then it remains valid, [and follows the law to be explained]. [Thus, a Sukkah that is built in one’s house under a retractable roof and left intact the entire year, since one lives in this Sukkah throughout the year, he is required to renew the Sechach each year before Sukkos.]
- An old Sukkah: A Sukkah which was built for the purpose of fulfilling the Mitzvah is valid even if it was built towards the beginning of the year. [Thus, if one never took down the previous year’s Sukkah, it may be used for the current Sukkos holiday without needing any modification.] If the Sukkah was built for the sake of shade, then if this was done within thirty days before Sukkos, it is valid. If it was made prior to 30 days before Sukkos, one must renew something in the Sukkah for the sake of the Mitzvah. The definition of a renewed action is to place new Sechach at least the size of 1×1 Tefach for the sake of the Mitzvah, or to place Sechach from one end of the Sukkah to another even if it is less than one Tefach. Regarding the walls, even if they were made from the beginning of the year for shade, one does not need to renew anything for it to be valid and renewing the Sechach suffices.
- If one did not take down the Sukkah from the previous year, and it is not used as a dwelling area, does it require an action of renewal to be performed to its Sechach? Some Poskim rule the Sukkah is only valid without renewal if it was made for the sake of the Mitzvah after the passing of the previous Sukkos. If, however, it was made before the previous Sukkos then an act of renewal is required prior to the coming Sukkos, as explained above regarding a Sukkah made for shade prior to 30 days. Other Poskim however rule the Sukkah remains valid and does not require any modification. It is implied from Admur like this latter opinion.
- If one’s Sukkah [with its Sechach] serves as a pergola throughout the year, does its Sechach require renewal? Some Poskim rule one is not required to do any action of renewal in such a case.
- If one’s Sukkah serves as part of one’s home, must all the Sechach be lifted and replaced each year before Sukkos? Example: One has a retractable roof in one of the rooms of his house which serves as a Sukkah during the Holiday. May one leave the Sechach remaining throughout the year and simply open the roof to use the Sukkah, or does the Sechach require removal and replacement? If one uses the room for living purposes, then all the Sechach must be lifted and then replaced before Sukkos. This applies even if one has a retractable roof over the Sechach, nevertheless it does not suffice to simply open the roof. If, however, one does not live in this room, then it suffices to simply open the roof before Sukkos. Some Poskim however side that even if one lives in the room, it suffices to open the retractable roof.
- The definition of living: Seemingly, it is only defined that one is living in the room regarding the above law, if one uses the room for eating, sleeping and all one’s regular house activity. If, however, one does not eat or sleep in the room then it is not considered a living area and hence does not require removal of all the Sechach prior to Sukkos.
The decorations of a Sukkah:
- It is a widespread, old age, custom amongst Jewry to decorate the Sukkah with different ornaments and valuables. The Chabad Custom, however, is not to decorate the Sukkah.
- Benefiting from, or removing, the Sukkah decorations: All decorations of a Sukkah are forbidden in benefit just like the Sukkah itself, throughout the entire holiday of Sukkos. This applies even if the decoration fell on Sukkos. Thus, if one placed grapes or other fruits as a decoration he may not eat them during Sukkos. However, if one stipulates before Sukkos, before Bein Hashmashos, that he reserves the right to use them during Bein Hashmashos of all the days it is not forbidden in benefit. Practically, today the custom is to allow removing the ornaments on Shabbos and Yom Tov and one is allowed to use them even if one did not stipulate beforehand being that the custom has become to allow doing so and it is hence considered as if one stipulated. Nevertheless, initially it is proper to stipulate on this matter from before Yom Tov.
- From when does the benefit prohibition take effect? The prohibition takes affect from the first time one dwells in the Sukkah, beginning from the night of the 15th. However, prior to dwelling in it for the first time it does not become holy. This applies whether or not the Sukkah was built for the sake of the Mitzvah or for the sake of shade nevertheless it does not receive holiness until he dwells in it. Thus, one may use and benefit from this Sechach and walls and decorations.
- Are the Sukkah decorations Muktzah on Shabbos/Yom Tov? Ideally, if a stipulation was not made, then the decorations are Muktzah on Shabbos/Yom Tov. However, in light of the above custom to move the items even without stipulation, the decorations are not Muktzah even if a stipulation was not made.
- Are pictures placed in a Sukkah considered Noy Sukkah and Muktzah on Shabbos/Yom Tov? Pictures are considered “Noy Sukkah” and hence should not initially be removed from the Sukkah unless one stipulated beforehand, as explained above. Nevertheless, in light of the above custom to move the items even without stipulation, one may in a time of need move the pictures from the Sukkah even if a stipulation was not made. Accordingly, the pictures are not considered Muktzah on Shabbos and Yom Tov, and may be replaced if they fell [although seemingly it is best to do so using a Shinuiy if a stipulation was not explicitly made].
Sukkah Construction at a Glance
| Topic | Main Halacha | Practical Takeaway |
| Building the Sukkah | Building is a Hechsher Mitzvah (preparatory mitzvah) | No bracha is recited when building |
| Purpose | Sukkah commemorates the Clouds of Glory | Have this intent when dwelling in the Sukkah |
| Personal Sukkah | Not required to own your own Sukkah | Preferably each family should have its own |
| When to Start | Begin on Motzaei Yom Kippur | Move immediately from one mitzvah to the next |
| Ideal Completion | Day after Yom Kippur | Complete as early as possible |
| Erev Sukkos | May still build | Preferably finish before the last 2.5 halachic hours |
| Chol Hamoed | May and must build if necessary | Even late in the festival |
| Shabbos/Yom Tov | Building forbidden | Includes replacing walls or Sechach |
| Replacing Sechach on Yom Tov | Jew may not replace it | Gentile may do so if no other Sukkah exists |
| Who should place Sechach? | Adult Jew obligated in the mitzvah | Preferred practice |
| Women placing Sechach | Not initially | Valid after the fact |
| Children placing Sechach | Not initially | Valid after the fact |
| Non-Jew placing Sechach | Not initially | Valid after the fact |
| Borrowed Sukkah | Valid | One fulfills the mitzvah |
| Location | Must be in a permitted place | Not on another person’s property without permission |
| Public Property | Subject to dispute | Municipal permission helps |
| Apartment Courtyard | Requires permission | From management/occupants |
| Mobile Sukkah | Valid | If sturdy and wind-resistant |
| Tree Sukkah | Valid | Cannot be used by climbing on Shabbos/Yom Tov |
| Bad Odor Area | Invalid | Must be fit for dwelling |
Minimum Measurements
| Requirement | Measurement |
| Minimum Width | 57.2 cm |
| Minimum Length | 57.2 cm |
| Minimum Height | 82 cm |
| Maximum Height | Approximately 10 meters |
| Minimum Open Area | 57.2 × 57.2 cm after furniture is placed |
Wall Requirements
| Requirement | Rule |
| Number of Walls | Preferably 4 complete walls |
| Absolute Minimum | 2 full walls + 3rd wall with Lavud |
| Wind Resistance | Cannot move in a normal wind |
| Minimum Height | 10 Tefachim (≈82 cm) |
| Gap Under Wall | Less than 3 Tefachim |
| Gap From Sechach | Less than 3 Tefachim |
| Plastic Walls | Best if reinforced with Lavud strings/poles |
| Loose Fabric Walls | Should not be used |
Correct Construction Order
| Correct Order | Incorrect Order |
| Build walls first | Place Sechach first |
| Place Sechach second | Build walls afterward |
If the Sechach was placed before the walls, the Sechach should be lifted and replaced.
Old Sukkah / Retractable Roof
| Situation | Requirement |
| Last year’s Sukkah | Generally may be reused |
| Built for shade within 30 days of Sukkos | Valid |
| Built for shade long beforehand | Requires renewal |
| Retractable-roof room used for living all year | Sechach must be renewed |
| Pergola-type Sukkah | May not require renewal |
Five Most Common Mistakes
| Mistake | Problem |
| Building under a roof or overhang | Invalidates Sechach |
| Loose fabric walls | Walls may be invalid |
| Sechach before walls | Invalid order |
| Building without permission | Ownership concerns |
| Sukkah too small after furniture is added | May invalidate minimum dimensions |