So you've got your Sukkah frame all set up. But before you break out the comfy chairs and invite the neighbors over for your Yom Tov meals, there's one crucial step: installing the Schach, the roof that makes your Sukkah , well, a Sukkah. Let’s dive into the details.
What Is Schach?
Think of Schach as your Sukkah's crowning glory (literally). It's the roof covering, traditionally made from natural materials that can’t absorb tum’ah (impurity) like branches or reeds. The key thing to remember is that Schach needs to provide shade – You're not aiming to build a sunroom here!
DIY Schach Dos and Don'ts
Don't block the sun... too much. You want some sunshine peeking through, but not so much that it qualifies as a beach day. Think dappled light, not direct rays.
Don't go for the “solid roof” look. Wide beams of wood are a no-no, even though they're perfectly Kosher Schach material. A Sukkah needs to be a temporary construction, not like a permanent building with a solidly rainproof roof.
Let It Rain. Sure, your Schach must provide shade, but if it doesn’t let at least a little rain through the gaps, the area underneath gets disqualified from being considered part of the Sukkah according to some opinions. That also means no plastic sheeting over your Schach – it blocks the rain… and also your Sukkah vibe.
Mind the Gaps . Your Schach must have gaps in it, but it shouldn't be like Swiss cheese! Large gaps (more than a few inches) let in too much sunshine and can render your Sukkah unkosher.
Schach Mats: The Everyman's Guide to Sukkah Roofing
Back in the day, putting up a Sukkah roof involved a whole lot of ‘branching out’ – literally, by placing hundreds of individual bamboo stalks, branches, or wooden slats across the top of your Sukkah frame. Today, you can forget the forest-hunting if you’re running short on time, and instead grab a Schach mat.
But there’s a catch: Sitting mats are a no-go for your Sukkah roof, because these mats are designed for, well, sitting, not covering your Sukkah. That's why it's important to get Schach mats specifically made for Sukkahs, and so a reliable Kosher certification (hashgacha) is your best friend (ours carry the Eida Chareidus Yerushalayim certification – read more on this in our handy guide to Schach Kosher Certification ). This will ensure your Schach mat is made from permissible materials, was designed specifically for use in the Sukkah, and is ready for Sukkah duty.
So You've Got the Mats...Who Puts Them Up?
Ideally, a Jewish person should place the mats on the Sukkah l’shem mitzvah (with the intention of fulfilling the mitzvah). But hey, helping hands are always welcome! So, if your friendly non-Jewish neighbor offers to lend a hand, no worries. A Jewish person can just give the mats a quick lift-and-replace, with the intention of fulfilling the mitzvah of building the Sukkah (and if you don’t have a chair handy, even using a pool cue works in a pinch). Easy peasy!
The Secret to Sturdy Schach Support
Schach mats should not be placed directly on metal or plastic supports. Instead, wooden beams should be positioned on top of the metal poles to provide a natural base for the Schach. In the case of Schach mats woven with plastic wire, it’s crucial to ensure the mats are laid perpendicular to the wooden beams, otherwise the stalks are being supported exclusively by the plastic wire.
How to Secure Your Schach Like a Pro
Schach mats can be a bit like having a pet parakeet – sometimes they get a little too excited and take flight! That's why tying them down is a must. But forget about using leftover wires or that neon rope you have lying around. Ideally, you should ditch the synthetics in favor of:
Natural Twine Time: Cotton or hemp string are your best buddies – natural and reliable, just like your Sukkah should be.
The 2x4 Solution: Feeling less “stringy?” No problem! You can also place those heavy 2x4s on top of the Schach to weigh it down. Think of them as giant paperweights for your Sukkah roof!
By following these tips, you'll be a Schach-stacking pro in no time. Time to build your Sukkah and enjoy the sunshine (filtered through that lovely Schach, of course), and maybe even do a little stargazing later. Chag Sukkot Sameach!
