Can You Build And Take Down A Sukkah On Chol Hamoed?

So you're jet-setting off on a Sukkot adventure? Mazel tov! But there's a little snag. You need to sort out your whole temporary dwelling situation aka. Taking down your old Sukkah , and building your new Sukkah in your new location. Can you even do that mid-holiday? Don't worry, we've got you covered (literally, with branches).

Both building and taking down Sukkah during Chol HaMoed (the intermediate days of Sukkot) is kind of like that time your friend convinced you to help them put together IKEA furniture – technically both are allowed, but it’s not so simple. So, let’s go through both cases, one at a time: 

Now, you’d think that if you can put it up, you can take it down, right? Not so fast, my eager Sukkah DIY-ers .

The Torah’s Two Cents:

The Torah states, “The chag (festival) of Sukkot shall be seven days for G‑d.” This means both the festival offerings (chagigah) and the Sukkah itself are sacred for the full duration of the holiday. Yes, even those canvas walls and that leaky roof you threw together.

Sacred or Not So Sacred?

In its narrowest sense, this sacredness applies just to the  Schach  , the organic material atop your Sukkah. But our Sages, not ones to typically do things in just the narrowest terms, extended this sacredness to the entire structure. That means your Sukkah is now officially holy real estate for seven days.

So, no using parts of your Sukkah for toothpicks or makeshift bookmarks. The walls and Schach are off-limits for other uses.

Can You Take It Down?

There’s a minority opinion that says dismantling shows disrespect to your sacred Sukkah. However, if you’re taking it down to rebuild it elsewhere or transfer the Schach to another Sukkah, you’re in the clear , and can proceed.

However, most authorities agree that you can dismantle your Sukkah (no professional demolition crews, please) on Chol Hamoed if necessary. Just remember, even if it’s dismantled, you can’t use the materials for anything else until the holiday ends.

Forget the “Great Sukkah Disassembly Debacle of '23!” This year, ditch the stress and embrace the magic of  pop-up Sukkahs  for your Sukkot adventures. Imagine Sukkot travel where your Sukkah is practically the size of a carry-on and assembles faster than a magician pulling a rabbit out of a hat (except, you know, with less fur and more Schach ). No more Tetris-ing dismantled Sukkah parts into your car, praying none of those mysterious “extra” screws end up rolling around for eternity.

Pop-up Sukkahs are the ultimate travel companions – lightweight, compact, and ready to transform any campsite, park or even your workplace into your own little Sukkot haven. With a flourish, you unveil your pop-up Sukkah from its handy carrying case . Up in seconds, down in seconds – Instant Sukkot break for you and your colleagues.

So, be your Sukkah traditional or pop-up: go forth, build, and dismantle with care – happy Sukkot adventures!