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Sukkot is here, and that means one thing: It’s time to pack your bags (just metaphorically, no actual moving) and live it up in a cozy outdoor hut for seven days! Why? Well, the Torah says it’s to remind future generations that G‑d made the Israelites live in Sukkot (temporary huts) after their exodus from Egypt. But what exactly were those Sukkot? Rabbi Eliezer offers his opinion: they were the miraculous Clouds of Glory that protected the Israelites as they wandered the desert for 40 years. So when you’re relaxing in your Sukkah underneath your bamboo Schach mat , you’re recreating that glorious divine camping experience.
But how exactly does one “dwell” in a Sukkah? What are the rules? And what if it rains? Let’s break it all down so you can ace Sukkah Living 101.
Why Are You Sitting in a Hut Anyway?
Before we dive into the nuts and bolts (or wood and bamboo Schach mats ), let’s remember why we’re doing this. It’s not just about the food (though, who are we kidding, food is a big part of it – see our article on Kreplach if you don’t believe it!). The mitzvah of Sukkah is about connecting with a key moment in Jewish history – reliving the Exodus from Egypt and remembering how G‑d provided protection and shelter. Every time you enter your Sukkah, remind yourself: this is about fulfilling G‑d’s commandment. And don’t forget the blessing: Baruch Atah… leshev ba-Sukkah
…for the full rundown of the full blessing list, check out our handy article on the Sukkah blessings
Who Needs to Sukkah and Chill?
Sukkah living isn’t just for anyone – it comes with some specific membership requirements:
Men over the age of 13 are officially obligated to dwell in the Sukkah.
Women can join the party, and Ashkenazic women often say the blessing , while Sephardic women generally don’t (with a few exceptions).
Kids under the age of 13 aren’t technically obligated, but once they’re around 5 or 6 and can sit still-ish, they should be in the Sukkah too. Sukkah training starts early!
What Should You Eat in the Sukkah?
Here’s the simple rule: if it’s a full meal , eat it in the Sukkah. If it’s a snack, you can eat it there if you like, but it’s not a must. Meals mean grain-based foods that are more than an egg-sized portion (and yes, that is a real measurement).
Drinks? Casual drinks (even wine) can be enjoyed outside, but if you’re settling in for a real beverage session, take it to the Sukkah.
Kiddush & Havdalah: These special moments need the Sukkah’s atmosphere.
Pro tip: Chabad custom is to eat everything in the Sukkah – even a sip of water. When else do you get to sip inside a mitzvah?
When Should You Eat in the Sukkah?
On the first night of Sukkot, you must eat at least a kezayit (an olive-sized portion) of bread in the Sukkah. After that, you can get away with skipping bread (though Shabbat and holiday meals still require it).
But what if it’s raining? You wouldn’t sit in your living room with rain pouring in, so you don’t have to do it in your sukkah either ( except for the first night – then you’re supposed to tough it out and eat at least a kezayit of bread in the Sukkah). As for other nights? If the rain’s heavy enough to ruin your bowl of beans, you’re free to head inside.
More on what to do if it’s pouring in our guide to Rain on Sukkot.
Do I Need to Make Another Blessing if I Leave the Sukkah?
If you leave the Sukkah for a while and come back, it depends on how long you were gone. If you’re only gone for a short time (less than an hour or two), no need for a new blessing. But if it’s been a while, get ready to bless again before tucking into that bread.
What About Traveling or Being Sick?
Sick or traveling? You’re off the hook – at least mostly. If you’re unwell, do your best to eat in the Sukkah on the first night, but after that, your health comes first. If someone’s taking care of you, they can eat outside the Sukkah too. As for traveling, business trips offer a Sukkah exemption, but pleasure trips? No Sukkah, no go. (this is why pop-up Sukkahs are so handy, because a pop-up Sukkah fits neatly into a backpack, so can go wherever you do).
So there you have it! Sukkot is more than a week of outdoor dining; it’s a spiritual trip back in time to when G‑d had the Israelites’ under His protection in the desert. So pull up a chair (or a makeshift camping stool), make that blessing, and enjoy the mitzvah of sitting, eating, and living in the Sukkah!
