- From when does the benefit prohibition against the Sechach and walls take effect?[1]
The prohibition against getting benefit from the Sechach and walls of the Sukkah takes affect from the first time that one dwells in the Sukkah for the sake of the Mitzvah [beginning from the night of the 15th]. However, prior to dwelling in it even one time for the sake of the Mitzvah, it does not have any holiness at all.[2] This applies even if the Sukkah was specifically built for the sake of the Mitzvah [and certainly applies if it was originally built for the sake of shade] nevertheless it does not receive holiness until he dwells in it for the sake of the Mitzvah during Sukkos. Thus, prior to dwelling in in it for the first time, one may use and benefit even from its Sechach, and certainly from its walls and decorations.
The law by a Sukkah that remains from year to year:[3] The above law applies even if the Sukkah remains erect from year to year, and thus although he dwelled in it the previous year [and draw down holiness to the Sechach and walls for that Sukkos], nevertheless its [walls and Sechach] do not become prohibited [in use and benefit by Sukkos of this year] until after one dwells in it during this year’s festival for the sake of the Mitzvah.[4]
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Q&A May one benefit from the Sechach and walls after Sukkos? What should one do with them after Sukkos? The Sechach and walls are only prohibited in benefit during Sukkos itself, however, after Sukkos they may be used and benefited from [for non-belittling purposes]. If they are no longer fit for use, then they should be discarded in a respectful manner. See Chapter 16 Halacha 5 for the full details of this matter!
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[1] Admur 638:15; Rama 638:1; M”A 638:2; Sheilasos Derav Achaiy Parshas Shelach 126; Or Zarua 2:360; Hagahos Ashri Beitza 4:3
[2] The reason: As any Mitzvah that one has not yet used for its Mitzvah does not receive any holiness at all, as explained in Chapter 42:4 and 6. [Admur ibid]
[3] Admur 638:16; M”A 638:2
[4] The reason: As with the passing of the festival of the previous year, the Kedusha of the Sukkah becomes nullified, and this holiness only becomes reinstated each year after one dwells in the the Sukkh that year for the sake of the Mitzvah. [Admur ibid; M”A ibid]