Your Sukkah Building Manual. The what, where and how of Sukkah construction
 | This sukkah wizard will lead you through the fun mitzvah of building and dwelling in a sukkah. From the permitted and required components in its structure, to the basic rules of living in the sukkah.
17 Comments Posted
I've read where those critical of Judaism often say it's things like sukkah that were made up by rabbi and therefore aren't important. Naturally I can think of numerous reasons to the contrary but today when I read this article I thought of one more. Maybe, just maybe in the future G-d may use our time in the sukkah to carry out His will on those outside it...much like what was done at passover.
Hey...you never know!
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Is it permissible to build a sukkah on a screened porch, where the screen is permeable to light and rain, but is above the roof of the sukkah?
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The answer to your question depends on your screen. If the empty space between the wires is bigger than the space taken up by the wires themselves, you may make a sukkah under the screen. If the space taken up by the wires is greater than the empty space between the wires, you may not build a sukkah under such a screen.
Here's something else to keep in mind: In the sukkah, there must be more shade than sun. The shade must be provided specifically by s'chach—not by screens. If you build your sukkah under a screen, the s'chach itself must provide enough shade to cover 50% of the sukkah without any help from the shade provided by the screen.
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In my apartment I am on the second floor I have an outdoor balcony but the floor above me also has a balcony over mine, it is about 8 ft above mine, can I build it there, is it still considered to be under the sky?
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As you neighbor's balcony is directly above yours, your balcony is not under the open sky. So you'll need to build your sukkah elsewhere. Sorry ;)
Is your entire balcony covered by your neighbor’s? Is there perhaps some area that is open to the sky? If yes, you can build your sukkah there.
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Hi
How about on the fire escape outside the kitchen window?
Obviously one cannot block access, etc.
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Depending on the specifics of your fire escape, it may be possible to build a sukkah on the fire escape without hindering access. I hope you found a suitable place for your sukkah already, because it's pretty late...
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So what if you are living in an apartment without a balcony or a lawn? I can't do it in the parking lot because I would block off the only narrow passage for cars. What should I do next year?
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You may be in a pickle. Here are some possible ways out:
a. If you have a parking space in your complex's lot, they may allow you to build your sukkah there, or at very least, allow you to park one on a trailer there.
b. Find out if one of the synagogues in your area has one which they can leave open for you to use.
c. Arrange to have your meals with friends who have balconies or yards.
d. Speak to your rabbi about the possibility of making Kiddush and Hamotzee in your shul’s sukkah and having the rest of your meal at home.
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wow could you find something different
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Thank you for the information on the proper way to build a sukkah. I am a single woman so I will be spending the holiday with my friends. Their sukkah was erected today and my friend and I cooked all day in preparation. It is indeed a lovely and restful time that we have ahead of us.
I wish I could have made my own sukkah. Perhaps next year I can ask for help in making one as my patio is a perfect place.
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You are welcome to come to my Sukkah. I am single, but I invited a lot of people to my Sukkah....
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(The answer to your question depends on your screen. If the empty space between the wires is bigger than the space taken up by the wires themselves, you may make a sukkah under the screen. If the space taken up by the wires is greater than the empty space between the wires, you may not build a sukkah under such a screen.)
What if they are equal?
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I read your roof-spec that the roof be unfinished, detached vegetable matter.
Our sukkah has a roof frame, built out of unfinished lumber, with slats of same, to support sekach made of bundles of branches (yard trimmings) - so far so good. The frame of slats is held together with nails, so that we can put it on as a unit, then lay the branches over the slats. When we put the frame on, all nails end up placed above the wall top plates, not over the sukkah floor area. Is this OK? One of the slats cracked in the center and I repaired it with duct tape. Is this kosher? If not, what would you suggest?
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The nails in the slats are somewhat problematic. Best to take them out. That way, the slats can also be considered part of the Sukkah covering. You can use a rope or string to tie them down instead. Or place a longer beam over the slats from one end of the sukkah to the other, and nail that in at the ends. Again, best to use a narrow beam (a 2x2 should do the job).
If it's just not possible to take out all those nails, make sure you have most of the area covered by the green stuff on top and not by the slats.
If you've already used a sukkah built this way, ipso facto it was still a Sukkah.
Have a wonderful Sukkot and enjoy!
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If a small electrical wire runs over the sukkah, is it valid?
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A small wire running over a sukkah does not invalidate it.
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