- The Custom:[1]
It is a widespread and old age custom amongst Jewry to decorate the Sukkah with different fruits, ornaments, and valuables.[2] It is a Mitzvah to do so.[3] This is done to express beautification of the Mitzvah, and it is thus fit to be done and those who do so are praised.[4]
What to use as decorations: The custom of the world is to hang all matters of value in the Sukkah, such as decorative sheets and the like.[5] One hangs fruits and other delicacies [including drinks and other liquids[6]].[7] Some hang a pumpkin on the Sukkah as a decoration.[8] One should not hang Shatnez materials around the Sukkah as a decoration, unless it is higher than the head of a man.[9] [It is proper to beautify the Sukkah with works of embroidery, including sheets and tarps, and to hang fruits of significance in it such as almonds, and nuts, peaches, pomegranates, grapes, wines, oils, flours, and stalks of grain.[10] Some would make ornaments in the shape of birds.[11] Others hang fruits of the seven Minim. Some hang Esrogim.[12] Others hang the Paroches of the Aron Kodesh in their Sukkah.[13]]
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Q&A May decorations that were manufactured for the gentile holidays [i.e. Christmas] be used for a Sukkah?[14] Yes. The decorations do not become prohibited in use unless they are purchased second hand after being used by the church and the like. Their simple manufacturing does not prohibit them. Thus, one may purchase bulbs and lights for one’s Sukkah from a store even if it is also purchased for the gentile holiday decorations. Nonetheless, one should not use decorations that are distinct in use for the gentile holidays in areas that those gentiles are found.[15]
May one use mechanical chirping birds as decorations for one’s Sukkah?[16] Yes, they may be used even on Shabbos and Yom Tov.
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[1] See Piskeiy Teshuvos 638:8
[2] See Admur 638:6 and 11; Michaber 638:2; Sukkah 10a-b; Beitza 30b; Shelah; M”B 638:11 in name of Elya Raba, in name of Sefer Chassidim; Darkei Chaim Veshalom 767 and 736
[3] M”B 638:11 in name of Elya Raba, in name of Sefer Chassidim
[4] Shelah ibid
[5] Admur 638:11
[6] Michaber ibid
[7] Admur 638:6; Michaber 638:2; Sukkah 10a-b
[8] Admur 638:20; M”A 638:9
[9] Admur 638:21; M”A 638:9; Maharil Sukkos p. 362
The reason: This is due to the reason explained in Y.D. 301:11. [Admur ibid]
[10] Shelah based on Beitza ibid, brought in M”B 638:11; Darkei Chaim Veshalom 767
Hanging fruits of Shemita in the Sukkah: See Shevet Halevi 7:57; Lehoros Nasan 3:39; Orchos Rabbeinu 2:331; Piskeiy Teshuvos 638:5
Hanging Arla fruits in the Sukkah: See Shevet Hakehasi 3:196
[11] Darkei Chaim Veshalom 736
[12] Biur Halacha in name of Chasam Sofer
[13] Custom of Sephardim, brought in Sefer Eretz Yisrael of Rav Yechiel Michel Tukichinsky
[14] Shevet Halevi 2:57 based on Temurah 29a, Chasam Sofer O.C. 42; See regarding Hazmanah Lav Milsa Hi: Admur 42:4 and 6; Michaber 42:1; Brachos 23b; Sanhedrin 48a; Mordechai Megilah 819; Nimukei Yosef Sanhedrin end of chapter 6; See regarding not using ornaments of idolatry: Michaber Y.D. 139:13; O.C. 154:11
[15] See M”B 494:10 in name of Gr”a and Chayeh Adam, that the custom of placing plants and trees in shuls and homes on Shavuos was abolished due to it being similar to the gentiles, referring to the Christian festivals.
[16] Beir Moshe 7:120