Table of contents
Every year, as Sukkot approaches, Jews around the world find themselves in a familiar predicament: Is my Sukkah kosher? But while some people are debating the best way to hang their decorations or which brand of bamboo mats make the best Schach (roof covering), others are grappling with deeper, more halachic dilemmas:
What happens if I build my Sukkah under tree branches? What about electric wires? Can too many decorations actually ruin the whole thing? Buckle up – this is going to be a wild ride through the most pressing Sukkah questions you never knew you had.
Zap! The Electric Wire Conundrum
Imagine this: You’ve set up your Sukkah in your backyard, feeling proud of your handiwork, only to glance up and realize – it’s sitting under a tangle of telephone and electric wires. Uh-oh. Does this mean your Sukkah is invalid?
According to the Mishna Berura a few pesky wires aren’t necessarily a problem. If they’re up high, they don’t really interfere with the Schach in a way that disqualifies it. Yalkut Yosef explicitly states that a Sukkah built under clotheslines, phone wires, or even electric cables is still kosher. However, if there are multiple wires running within three tefachim (around 9 inches) of each other, they could be considered a solid structure and might pose an issue.
Bottom line? Your Sukkah is fine under a couple of stray electric wires, but if your backyard is starting to look like a spider web of power lines, you might want to reconsider your placement.
How Many Rafters is Too Many?
We all know that a Sukkah needs to have kosher Schach that allows some sunlight to peek through. But what if your Sukkah’s roof has too many wooden rafters supporting the Schach? Could they disqualify it?
Well, that depends. If the rafters are thick (more than four tefachim, or roughly 12 inches wide), they could be considered part of a permanent roof rather than temporary Schach, making the Sukkah invalid. But if they’re smaller, they’re not much of an issue – especially if there’s enough space between them to allow for proper air and light flow.
Pro tip: If you can still see some sky through your Schach, you’re probably in the clear. But if your Sukkah starts feeling more like a log cabin than a temporary hut, it might be time for a redesign.
Too Many Sukkah Decorations? A Real Problem or Just an Aesthetic Choice?
Some people go all out with their Sukkah decorations – paper chains, hanging fruit, disco balls (okay, maybe not disco balls, but it’s a thought). But is there such a thing as too many Sukkah decorations? Could your Pinterest-worthy Sukkah actually be pasul (invalid)?
Turns out, yes and no. If your Sukkah decorations are within four tefachim (about 12 inches) of the Schach, they’re considered “nullified” to the roof and don’t cause any issues. But if you’ve got layers upon layers of decor hanging lower than that – think bedsheets, massive tapestries, or a bug net – it could create a separate roof-like covering and render certain parts of the Sukkah unusable.
So, what’s the rule of thumb for your Sukkah decorations? Hanging fruit and paper chains? No problem. A heavy velvet curtain draping across the ceiling? Maybe rethink that.
Tree Trouble: Building A Sukkah Under Tree Branches
What if you build your Sukkah under tree branches? Does that automatically disqualify it?
This one’s a bit trickier. The Shulchan Aruch states that a Sukkah must be directly under the sky. That means if you build your Sukkah under tree branches, you could have a problem.
However, there’s a key factor to consider: Does the tree provide more shade than your Schach? If the Schach is doing the majority of the shading, then the Sukkah is still kosher. But if the tree’s branches are giving you more shade than your Schach, then building your Sukkah under tree branches is unfortunately a no-go.
And before you ask – no, it doesn’t matter how high the tree is. Even if it’s 40 feet up, if its shade affects the Sukkah, it’s a problem.
Best move? Find a sunnier spot.
The Covered Balcony Dilemma
Apartment dwellers, this one’s for you. What if your only option for a Sukkah is your balcony, but it’s completely covered by the balcony above you? Does it count?
Sadly, no. The core requirement of a Sukkah is that it must be under the open sky. A balcony above your Sukkah is essentially another roof, which invalidates the Sukkah altogether. Some creative solutions include using a rooftop or communal courtyard, but if that’s not an option, it’s better to find a friend’s Sukkah to use rather than build an invalid one.
Moral of the story? If you live in a high-rise, unless you’re on the top floor with your balcony Sukkah, you might need to take your Sukkot celebrations to street level.
Final Thoughts: Keep it Kosher
Sukkot is a holiday meant to bring joy – so don’t stress too much! As long as your Sukkah follows the basic requirements, you’re in good shape. And if you’re unsure? There’s always a local rabbi ready to help.
So, go forth, build your Sukkah, and don’t let a stray tree branch, power line, or overzealous decorating spree ruin your holiday.
Chag Sameach!
