How To Make a Shlock: The Guide To Crafting Your Own Sukkah Rain Cover

You’ve decided to create a shlock! Congratulations on entering the elite ranks of DIY Sukkot enthusiasts. Not only will you be the talk of the neighborhood, but you’ll also stay dry if (or rather, when) the heavens decide to rain on your Sukkah . Here’s how to set up the ultimate rain shield for your Sukkah – complete with tips from the sages and a dash of DIY know-how. 

So, you want to keep things dry. Your shlock needs to be waterproof, sturdy, and preferably lightweight . Here’s where things can get interesting. A basic tarp is the go-to for many shlock aficionados, but let’s be honest – it’s the DIY crowd’s equivalent of playing it safe. Want to step it up? Opt for high-quality vinyl or  treated canvas  that can withstand wind and rain but is easy enough to roll back when you want to see the stars.

Pro-Tip: While it might be tempting to use that old Mickey Mouse shower curtain, remember this is a mitzvah (commandment). Maybe stick to solid or neutral colors so you don’t have to explain to the neighbors why Disney is smiling down on your kreplach .

You’ve done all that measuring for your  Sukkah walls , and now it’s time for the pièce de résistance. Your shlock should be slightly larger than the Sukkah’s roof so that it drapes over the edges, protecting your table from a mid-meal shower. But don’t go overboard – an oversized shlock that hangs down to the ground might turn your Sukkah into a circus tent, and nobody needs that kind of show.

If you’re into precision, measure out the  dimensions of your Sukkah roof and add a few inches on each side for a solid overlap. Make sure you can still handle it easily; if it’s too big and unwieldy, you’ll end up wrestling with your shlock more than you’d like. Think Goldilocks here: not too big, not too small, just right.

A solidly built shlock is a thing of beauty – until the first wind gust decides to play hide and seek with it. This is where a few extra minutes of DIY magic can save you some serious headaches. Here’s how to keep that shlock in its place:

• Corner Hooks or Eyelets : Use heavy-duty hooks or grommets in the corners to attach your shlock securely. Bungee cords work well to keep things flexible without being too stiff or rigid.

• Ropes or Weights : Depending on your Sukkah’s structure, tying down the shlock with ropes or adding weights to the corners can be effective. Just make sure everything’s secure enough to withstand a minor gale without turning into a DIY flying trapeze act.

Pro-Tip: Don’t skimp on this step! A good hook and some strategic tying will keep your shlock in place, even if Mother Nature decides to try her best to un-kosher your Sukkah with a bit of wind and rain. 

This is the real trick to making your shlock a Shabbat and Yom Tov-friendly masterpiece. By setting your shlock up on rollers, hinges, or a retractable system, you can open and close it without violating halachic restrictions. Imagine your it as a Sukkah garage door – a quick roll-down when the storm hits and an easy roll-up when the skies clear.

Rollers are particularly handy if you’re in an area with iffy weather. Hinges can also work if they’re installed on one side of the Sukkah frame , allowing you to flip it over like a page in a book. Either way, this upgrade will save you from the awkward moment of struggling with your shlock while hoping you’re not accidentally violating any halachic rules (see the Halachic Highlights section below for more on that).

Bonus Tip: If you go with the hinge setup, you can add a small handle to the bottom edge of the shlock for easier lifting. 

1. Test Before the Test : Pre-Test Your Setup. Don’t wait for the first storm to see if your shlock works. Set it up and test it on a dry day to ensure it rolls, unfolds, or closes as expected. You’ll be glad you did when the first drops start falling.

2. Consider a DIY Crew : Sometimes, the local Jewish DIY crowd knows a few tricks for shlock creation and setup. Plus, it’s a good way to get the best local advice while catching up on the latest news, all under the pretense of a “shlock consultation.”

Reuse and Upgrade Yearly : Investing in a good shlock isn’t just about staying dry one year; it’s about ensuring dry Sukkots for years to come.

Great! Now that your shlock is up and functional, let’s talk halacha (Jewish law). There are some intriguing issues to consider before you start rolling and unrolling with abandon.

The short answer: yes, if it’s set up correctly. Here’s the breakdown:

The halachic concern here is about creating or dismantling a structure. You can’t just throw up a temporary roof willy-nilly on Shabbat or Yom Tov; that’s where boneh (building) and soter (demolishing) come into play. However, as noted by the Rama (Rabbi Moshe Isserles), if it's part of a structure designed to open and close – like on hinges or rollers – there’s no problem. It’s not considered construction because the shlock was designed for this purpose.

In other words: If your shlock has a hinge or track system, go ahead and use it! Just don’t start getting creative with “temporary” roofs that weren’t already part of your Sukkah’s design.

A closed shlock might start resembling a tent, which raises its own set of halachic red flags. An ohel (tent) generally refers to any roof-like structure created on Shabbat or Yom Tov that’s at least ten handbreadths (about 80 cm) high. But since your shlock is part of a pre-existing Sukkah, it doesn’t meet the same criteria.

The one caveat: be careful not to sit under a fully closed shlock. When it's shut, your Sukkah is essentially transformed into an ordinary room, making it an invalid Sukkah by halachic standards.

Here’s a halachic quirk: rainwater from a shlock can inadvertently water the ground below, which counts as zoreyah (planting or watering), a big no-no on Shabbat or Yom Tov. If your Sukkah is set up on grass, make sure the runoff from your shlock doesn’t drain directly onto the plants.

Pro Tip: Position your Sukkah over a patio or non-grassy area to avoid any halachic conflicts. Alternatively, set up a small channel or bucket system to collect runoff away from any plant life.

Let’s summarize your rainy-day game plan:

• Do: Use one that’s designed to open and close with minimal effort, like one on hinges or rollers.

• Don’t: Install a temporary, makeshift cover on Shabbat or Yom Tov. If it wasn’t pre-planned, it’s a halachic headache.

• Do: Close and open as needed, rain or shine, if it’s part of your original setup.

• Don’t: Sit in your Sukkah under a fully closed shlock, or else you’re technically no longer in a kosher Sukkah.

• Do: Make sure any water runoff is directed away from plants.

...and for info on some stylish and simple Sukkah decorations, check out our article on Sukkah Decorating 101.

Interestingly, some authorities hold that l eaving a rain cover closed, even if it’s not raining, is technically permissible on Yom Tov. This is especially handy if you’re in a place with uncertain weather and want to stay prepared. However, most authorities recommend keeping it open whenever possible to maintain the  spirit of Sukkot.  So, unless there’s a downpour imminent, roll back that shlock and enjoy the full Sukkah experience!

A good shlock can make or break your  Sukkot festivities. And with these halachic considerations in mind, you can avoid the stress of building or watering violations and focus on what really matters: celebrating the holiday, rain or shine. So get crafty, keep it kosher, and shlock on!