Is the pop up Sukkah kosher?
Not all pop-up Sukkahs are made the same. Here are some important points to be aware of when planning to use one:
- In general, it is inadvisable to use canvas for any of the walls, even if it is firmly secured, because its center sometimes moves back and forth in the wind even when tied, and the ropes sometimes loosen without anyone noticing; in these cases, the Sukkah walls are no longer considered to be as sturdy as required by Halacha.
Someone who wishes to create a Sukkah using flexible materials would do best to place bamboo sticks or the like horizontally along the walls throughout the first ten Tefachim (handbreadths, about 31 inches off the ground, ideally 32 inches, in total), with a space of less than three handbreadths (9 inches, ideally, less than 8 inches) between each stick. As a first recourse, these beams should be set up on all four sides of the Sukkah. Some Sukkahs are equipped with such poles or belts. Some of the “lavud belts” on the market aren’t consistent with the above measurements, and also slide up and down occasionally, thus extending the gap. - The Sukkah itself must be strong enough to withstand a normal wind. As such, a pop-up Sukkah which is lightweight must be properly secured.
- Of course, one needs to make sure that the Sukkah has the required Halachic measurements (such as area and height). The Sukkah, including opening for the Sechach on top, must have a minimum of 7×7 Tefachim – about 22 ½ inches per side.
- Ensure that the Sechach is placed securely so that it can withstand normal gusts of wind throughout the entire festival of Sukkos. This is especially important when using bamboo mats for Sechach. (If using mats, make sure they are certified Kosher for Sechach use – see here).
- Lechatchila, the Sechach should be supported by a material which is not susceptible to Tum’ah. Therefore, it should not rest directly on the walls of a typical pop-up Sukkah.
- One may not set up the Sukkah on another’s property without their knowledge and consent; on public property, such as a city street or a public thoroughfare; or in a location that will cause damage to neighbors. Also, a Sukkah in which a person cannot eat, drink, walk leisurely, and sleep comfortably without any pain is not called a place of residence and is not valid as a Sukkah. (Nonetheless, the measurements remain only 7×7 tefachim as above).
- One is not permitted to pop open or close the Sukkah on Shabbos or Yom Tov. This also applies to the Sechach, which may not be placed or adjusted on Shabbos or Yom Tov.
- On Chol Hamoed, one is allowed to open and close as necessary, but one should try, wherever possible, to put it up before Yom Tov. See here and in the Sukkos Luach, 5785 Hebrew, end of page נ and footnote 304 there.
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