How to hang the decorations:[1]
All decorations which will hang from the top of the Sukkah [i.e. the Sechach or beams] are to be placed within 4 Tefach [32 cm.] from the Sechach in order so it be considered nullified to the Sechach and not be viewed as an obstruction between the Sechach and the person eating under it. This applies even if the decoration is not 4×4 Tefach in dimension.[2] See Chapter 2 Halacha 20C for the full details of this subject!
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Q&A May one hang a protruding decoration on one’s wall below the four Tefach mark?[3] If the decorations protrude from the wall and people may come to eat under the decorations, then they should be placed within four Tefachim from the Sechach. If the decoration is within 4 Tefach from the Sechach but rolls down past the 4 Tefach then it is questionable whether it is considered an interval or not, and practically it should be avoided.
May one place decorations within four Tefach from the Sechach if they extend below four Tefachim from ones Sechach?[4] This is to be avoided due to it being questionable whether or not this decoration is nullified to the Sechach and hence perhaps it is an interval between the person and the Sechach.[5] However, there are Poskim[6] who are lenient in this matter so long as the top of the decoration is within four Tefach from the Sechach.
Must one hang a candelabra and the electric lights within four Tefachim from the Sechach? See Chapter 2 Halacha 20 D in Q&A!
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[1] Admur 627:6; Rama 627:4; Maharil Sukkah p. 367; See Sukkah 10a-b
[2] Admur ibid; Taz 627:5
The reason: Although a less than 4×4 Tefach dimension does not serve as an obstruction between the Sechach and the person sitting under it, nevertheless even such a decoration is to only be placed within four Tefachim from the Sechach, due to a decree that one may come to do so with a decoration that contains 4×4 Tefachim, in which case it is forbidden to sit under it. [Admur ibid; Taz ibid]
[3] Implication of Admur ibid; Piskeiy Teshuvos 627:4; Sheivet Hakehasiy 3:197
[4] Piskeiy Teshuvos 627:4
[5] Sefer Sukkah Hashaleim Miluim 14:3
[6] Koveitz Mibeis Levi 2 p. 24