Who may build the Sukkah?[1]

Should one personally build the Sukkah versus having someone else do so for him?[2]

It is proper for one to personally place the Sechach onto the Sukkah [and help build the walls[3]] rather than have another person do so for him.[4] [The Rabbeim were not particular to personally build their Sukkah[5], 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[6] 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: According to all women and children may help build the walls of the Sukkah.[7]

Sechach: Some Poskim[8] rule that women and children are not initially to place the Sechach on the Sukkah, and so seems to be the opinion of Admur.[9] If they already did so the Sukkah is Kosher.[10]

 

May a gentile build the Sukkah?

Walls: A gentile may help build the walls of the Sukkah.[11]  However some write a gentile should not build even the walls of the Sukkah.[12]

Sechach: A gentile is not initially to place the Sechach on the Sukkah.[13]  If he already did so the Sukkah is Kosher.[14]

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[1] Sukkah 8b; 635/1

[2] Kaf Hachaim 625/11; Kitzur SHU”A 134/1; Alef Lamagen 624/15; see Lekutei Sichos 20 p. 267 that the Rebbe learns for the below mentioned reason that each family should build their own Sukkah

[3] Kitzur ibid

[4] As it is a greater Mitzvah for one to personally do the Mitzvah rather than through a messenger. [Kaf Hachaim 625/11]

[5] Hamelech Bemisibo 2/53

[6] Parshas Kedoshim

[7] Bikureiy Yaakov 635/2

[8] M”A 14/3; Bikureiy Yaakov 635/2; Chochmas Shlomo 635; Kaf Hachaim 635/8

[9] 14/2; There Admur rules one is to initially avoid having women or children make tzitzis being they are not obligated in the Mitzvah. This is the opinion of Rabbeinu Tam recorded in Rama 14/1 as explained in M”A 14/3. The M”A there concludes that this same law applies by all Mitzvahs including “Lulav and Sukkah”. So brings also Biur Halacha 14 “Lehatzrich Anashim” that it applies likewise to Sukkah.

[10] 635/1; As rules Admur ibid regarding Tzitzis

[11] Bikureiy Yaakov 635/2

[12] Chida in Avodas Hakodesh 24/2

[13] Bikureiy Yaakov 635/2 based on M”A 649/8

[14] 635/1