Sukkah

Sukkoth - IZE10160

JerusalemSukka

Sukkah

Graded Sukkahs In Apartments In Jerusalem

PikiWiki Israel 23348 House with sukut (tabernacles) in Bnei Brak

Jewish Family in a Sukkah

Sukkah is a term that originates from Judaism and refers to a temporary hut constructed for use during the week-long Jewish festival of Sukkot. The singular term is "Sukkah" (Hebrew: סוכה), while its plural form is "Sukkot" (סוכות), not to be confused with the festival name itself. This structure is a key element in the observance of Sukkot, which is one of the three Pilgrimage Festivals mentioned in the Torah, alongside Passover and Shavuot. The Sukkah represents the huts in which the Israelites dwelt during their 40 years of wandering in the desert after the Exodus from Egypt.

Construction and Requirements

A Sukkah must be constructed according to specific halachic requirements to be considered kosher for use during the festival. These requirements pertain to its size, materials, and location.

Size and Structure

The Sukkah must be at least 10 Tefachim (handbreadths, approximately 80 cm) tall, but not taller than 20 Amot (cubits, approximately 10 meters). It must have at least three walls, with the third wall being at least a tefach wide. The walls can be made from any material, but they must be sturdy enough to withstand a normal wind.

Schach

The roof of the Sukkah, known as the "Schach," must be made from materials that are grown from the ground and are no longer attached to the earth (e.g., palm fronds, bamboo sticks, or wooden slats). The Schach must be sparse enough to let the stars be seen through it but dense enough to provide more shade than sunlight during the daytime.

Religious Significance

The Sukkah serves as a physical reminder of the fragility and transitory nature of life, as well as the protection God provided for the Israelites in the desert. Dwelling in the Sukkah for the duration of the Sukkot festival is a mitzvah (commandment) outlined in the Torah. Participants are required to eat, and ideally sleep, in the Sukkah for the seven days of the festival (eight days outside of Israel), weather permitting.

Customs and Observances

Various customs are associated with the Sukkah and the Sukkot festival. These include the decoration of the Sukkah with hanging decorations and the performance of the Ushpizin ceremony, which symbolizes the welcoming of seven distinguished guests from Jewish history into the Sukkah.

Legal Aspects

The construction and use of a Sukkah are subject to detailed legal discussions in Jewish law (Halakha). These discussions cover aspects such as the materials permissible for the Schach, the minimum and maximum dimensions of the Sukkah, and the conditions under which it is still considered kosher if damaged or if parts of the Schach become displaced.

In Modern Times

Today, building a Sukkah is a widespread practice among observant Jews worldwide. In addition to private Sukkot built by individuals and families, communal Sukkot are often constructed by synagogues, Jewish community centers, and other organizations, allowing those who do not have the means or space to build their own Sukkah to fulfill the mitzvah.