Eating in the Sukkah: Difference between revisions

Based on the pesukim in the Torah which read -בַּסֻּכֹּת תֵּשְׁבוּ, שִׁבְעַת יָמִים; כָּל-הָאֶזְרָח, בְּיִשְׂרָאֵל, יֵשְׁבוּ, בַּסֻּכֹּת. לְמַעַן, יֵדְעוּ דֹרֹתֵיכֶם, כִּי בַסֻּכּוֹת הוֹשַׁבְתִּי אֶת-בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל, בְּהוֹצִיאִי אוֹתָם מֵאֶרֶץ מִצְרָיִם:  אֲנִי, ה אֱלֹקיכֶם.- "For a seven day period you shall live in booths. Every resident among the Israelites shall live in booths, in order that your [ensuing] generations should know that I had the children of Israel live in booths when I took them out of the land of Egypt. I am the Lord, your God." <ref>Vayikra (23:42-43)</ref> there is a positive commandment to sit in the [[Sukkah]] for the 7 days of [[Sukkot]].<ref>Rambam (Sefer HaMitzvot, Aseh #168), [[Chinuch]] Mitzva 325. The Tur 625 explains that the reason we were commanded to do this specifically in tishrei and not in nissan is to make it clear that we aren't doing it for the shade it provides but rather because it is Hashem's command as this is a time that people normally move indoors and we move outdoors for this time. </ref>

#There’s an obligation to eat a [[Kezayit]] of bread in the [[Sukkah]] on the first night of [[Sukkot]].<ref>Rambam Hilchot Succa 6:7, S”A 639:3, Chazon Ovadyah pg 132 </ref> During the remaining days there is no obligation to eat in the [[Sukkah]] because you can just eat fruits or vegetables but there is still a mitzva to eat bread in the succa every day.<ref>Mishna Brurah 639:24 </ref>

#While [[sitting in the Sukkah]], one should have intent that one will fulfill the mitzvah, and that Hashem commanded us to sit in [[Sukkot]] in order to remember the exodus from Egypt (Yetsiat Mitzrayim) and that the [[Sukkot]] are in commemoration for the clouds of glory.<ref>There is a dispute in Gemara [[Sukkah]] 11b whether the [[Sukkot]] that Jews sit in are in commemoration of actual [[sukkot]] that Bnei Yisrael sat in in the desert or the Ananei Hakavod (clouds of glory) that God gave us for protection. The Tur 625:1 writes that the [[Sukkot]] are in commemoration of the Ananei Hakavod and the Jews sit in the Succa specifically in the winter (instead of when Bnei Yisrael left Eygpt) to show that even though the norm is to move back into your house for the winter, we move outside to fulfill G-d’s will. The Bach 625:1 s.v. BaSukkot says that the fact that the Tur wrote this indicates that one hasn't fulfilled one's mitzva completely if while [[sitting in the Sukkah]] one didn’t remember the exodus from Egypt (Yetsiyat Mitzrayim) since the pasuk states explicitly that the mitzvah of [[Sukkot]] is to remind us of the exodus. The Mishna Brurah 625:1 writes that one should have the intent that Hashem commanded us to sit in [[Sukkot]] in order to remember the exodus from Egypt (Yetsiat Mitzrayim) and that the Sukkat are in commemoration for the clouds of glory.  

*See also the Tur 417 who quotes his brother regarding the connection between [[Sukkot]] and Yacov Avinu. See more about that idea on [https://www.dailyhalacha.com/WeeklyParasha.asp?PageIndex=26&ParashaClipID=328 dailyhalacha.com].</ref> According to most authorities, after the fact, if one didn't have these intentions then one fulfills the mitzvah as long as one had intention to fulfill the mitzvah.<ref>The Pri Megadim (A"A Intro to Siman 625) writes that this is only in order to do the mitzvah in it's best way, however, after the fact even without the intent one has still fulfilled one's obligation as long as one had the intent to fulfill the mitzvah (as part of the concept that mitzvot need kavana). Chazon Ovadyah ([[Sukkot]] pg 97) and Mishna Brurah (625:1) agree with the Pri Megadim, unlike the Bikkurei Yaakov (625:3) who holds that one doesn't fulfill one's obligation at all without the proper intent. Rav Shternbuch in Moadim UZmanim (vol 1 pg 169) writes that although lacking the Kavanna doesn’t take away the mitzvah, however, one still loses the separate mitzvah of having kavanah.</ref>

#One who is exempt from the sukkah yet chooses to remain there does not receive reward for remaining in the sukkah and is foolish.<ref>Rama 639:7. The Biur Halacha 639 explains that one is only considered foolish if one became exempt while sitting in the sukkah and continued to sit there. This is particularly true with rain because Chazal compare rain on Sukkot to a servant who served his master water and had it splashed back in his face. Once the master demonstrated that he wasn’t interested in the services, if the servant forces his master to allow him to serve him the servant would be foolish. That is why remaining in the sukkah when it rains is foolish. Nonetheless, if one is technically exempt not because of suffering, (i.e. if it began to rain and then the rain stopped and he is still in the middle of eating his meal inside) and he chooses to return to the sukkah he will receive reward.</ref>

#Women are exempt from the [[Sukkah]].<ref>Mishna [[Sukkah]] 28a, Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 640:1 </ref> They can volunteer to sit in the Sukkah and if they do so, according to Ashkenazim can recite a bracha, while according to Sephardim they may not.<ref>{{Bracha on Mitzvot Aseh Shehazman Grama}}</ref>

#Very young children are exempt from the [[Sukkah]], however, once they no longer need their mother (around age 5) there is a mitzvah of [[Chinuch]] (training them in mitzvot) that a child be obligated in sitting in the [[sukkah]].<ref>Shulchan Aruch 640:2, Mishna Brurah 640:2. The Magen Avraham 640 says that it is prohibited to feed children outside the [[sukkah]], just like it is forbidden to feed children not kosher food. Sh"t Binyan Av 1:25 says that a man cannot feed the child outside the [[sukkah]] but a woman can. The Mishna Brurah 640:5 quotes this magen avraham and adds that on shouldn't even tell the child to eat outside the [[sukkah]]. Rav Moshe Shternbuch in Tshuvot Vihanhagot 3:211 says very young children are exempt based on the fact that they need their mothers to eat properly. Aruch Hashulchan 640:2 justifies not obligating them in sukka because children have a lower tolerance for the cold.</ref>

#A person who is sick is exempt from the [[Sukkah]].<ref>Shulchan Aruch 640:3 based on Mishna [[Sukkah]] 25a. </ref>

#One is not required to eat in the [[sukkah]] if it is raining.<ref>Mishnah [[Sukkah]] 28b </ref> If it is raining and one began to eat inside, he may continue to eat inside even when it stops raining.<ref>Mishna Brurah 639:38 based on Rashi [[Sukkah]] 29a "viyardu." Ritva [[Sukkah]] 29a "Tannu Rabanan," writes that one is not required to eat in the [[sukkah]] if there are rain-clouds in the sky and it appears as if it is going to rain.  Rav Shalom Schwadron in Daat Torah OC 639:5 says that most poskim don't accept this opinion but he is in doubt if you can recite a beracha in such a situation. </ref> However, these rules only apply after the first night. For the rules for the first night see below.

#Even after it stops raining but the sukkah is still wet and the s'chach is dripping one is exempt from the sukkah.<ref>Shevet Hakehati 1:199</ref>

#One who is suffering from sitting in the sukkah is exempt. For instance, if one cannot sleep in the sukkah because of the wind, because of the flies buzzing, because of the cold, or even because of a small amount of rain he is exempt. Additionally, one is only exempt from the sukkah due to suffering if leaving the sukka will help alleviate his suffering.<ref>Shulchan Aruch 640:4, Rama 639:2, 639:5, and 640:4 </ref>

#If on Shabbat the lights in the sukkah go out one is not obligated to go to his friend’s sukkah if this is difficult or uncomfortable; rather, he may eat his meal in his house.<ref>Rama 640:4</ref>

#If one feels crowded in the sukkah this does not constitute “suffering” and one must continue to live there.<ref>Rama 640:4. Mishna Brurah 640:26 however writes that a fastidious person for whom this is difficult is exempt. </ref>

#In general, one cannot claim he is suffering and that he is therefore exempt from the sukkah if others typically would not suffer from experiencing the matter he is facing.<ref>Rama 640:4. Nonetheless, the Mishna Brurah 640:29 writes that if one is a fastidious individual and other fastidious people of the same type would suffer from what he is undergoing, this would suffice to exempt him. </ref>

#Some poskim permit sitting under an umbrella held in hand even over ten [[Tefachim]], unlike a more permanent umbrella such as one supported by a table because it is still considered sitting under the [[schach]]. One should not recite a beracha <ref>Halichot Shlomo 2:8-20, Shalmei Moed pg. 112, She’arim Metzuyanim b’Halachah 135:5, and Nefesh Chayah OC 629 all allow sitting in the Sukkah under an umbrella. Rav Chaim Kanievsky (Piskei Shemuot p. 101) holds that it is permissible to do but unnecessary. Rav Elyashiv, quoted in Succat Chayim page 52, however, does not permit sitting in the Sukkah under an umbrella. The Brisker Rav (HaSuccah Hashalem, Miluim 13:4) did in fact do this himself. </ref> This is relevant to chol hamoed but not permitted on Shabbat or Yom Tov, when an umbrella may not be used. See [[Boneh#Umbrella]].

#Travelers who are traveling for business or for pressing matters <ref>Igrot Moshe OC 3:93 and Yalkut Yosef as quoted in Piskei Teshuvot p. 385 no. 38 hold that these are the travelers referred to in the Shulchan Aruch, whereas those who travel for pleasure or without a real need and claim that they are exempt from sukkah are acting improperly. </ref> are exempt from a sukkah as long as they are traveling.<ref>Shulchan Aruch 640:8</ref> When they pause their journey, if they are unable to find a sukkah they are also exempt from sukkah then.  <ref>Rama 640:8 </ref>

#If one is involved in a mitzvah such as going to learn Torah <ref>Mishna Brurah 640:35 </ref> he is exempt from the mitzvah of sukkah.<ref>The Shulchan Aruch 640:7 as explained by the Mishna Brurah feels that in such a case one is not required to enter a sukkah even when one reaches a resting point on his mitzvah journey, whereas the Rama writes that if this is not difficult and will not affect his ability to perform the mitzvah one should find a sukkah in which to eat and sleep.  </ref> Accordingly, those tending to the needs of the sick are exempt from the sukkah.<ref>Shulchan Aruch 640:3 as explained by the Mishna Brurah. Note that this rule does not include those helping one who is mitztaer, but only the sick as defined above.</ref>

#If a person's lights went out in their Sukkah or their Sukkah became inhabitable if it is very difficult to go to another person's Sukkah one doesn't have to and one is exempt.<ref>The Rama 640:4 writes that if one's lights went out one doesn't have to eat in someone else's Sukkah if that is very difficult. Mishna Brurah 640:23 elaborates that the reason of it being inconvenient to use another's Sukkah is insufficient to exempt oneself. But if in addition it is very difficult then one is exempt.</ref>

#It is permissible to eat up to a [[Measurements#KeBaytzah|KeBaytzah]] of bread outside the [[Sukkah]] but for any more than a [[Measurements#KeBaytzah|KeBaytzah]] one must eat it in the [[Sukkah]] and make a bracha of Leshev BaSukkah.<ref>The Mishna in [[Sukkah]] 25a states that one may eat a snack (achilat arai) outside of the [[sukkah]]. The Gemara [[Sukkah]] 26a, states that the quantity of an achilat arai is the amount that a yeshiva student would eat in the morning on his way to the beit midrash.  Tosafot there "Tarti", say that this amount is a k'beitzah.  This is the conclusion of Shulchan Aruch 639:2, Mishna Brurah 639:13, Beiur Halacha s.v. [[KeBaytzah]], Natai Gavriel 48:2, Chazon Ovadyah ([[Sukkot]] pg 132), Yalkut Yosef (Moadim pg 142). </ref>

#If one only ate a [[Kezayit]] of bread and other foods, according to Ashkenazim this is a meal and one must eat it in the [[Sukkah]] and even make the bracha of Leshev BaSukkah<ref>Natai Gavriel 48:7</ref>, however, according to Sephardim one doesn't have to eat this in the [[Sukkah]] and even if one eats in the [[Sukkah]] one does not make the bracha of LeShev BaSukkah.<ref>Chazon Ovadyah  ([[Sukkot]] pg 134)</ref>

#For Sephardim, if one sat in the [[sukkah]], planning to eat less than a [[kebaytza]] of bread, and then decided he wanted to eat more than a [[kebaytza]], he should recite a beracha then, even if what he has left is less than a [[kebaytza]].<ref>Chazon Ovadia pg. 133 </ref>

#Some poskim hold that any food on [[shabbat]] needs to be eaten in the [[sukkah]] because it is achilat keva and not achilat arai. However, most poskim disagree.<ref>Yalkut Yosef Moadim pg. 143, Chazon Ovadia [[Sukkot]] pg. 141 </ref>

#It is permissible to eat fruits even if one eats a lot of fruit.<ref>This is an argument in the gemara Yoma 79b. Tosafot 26a s.v. tarti rule that it is permitted even in a large quantities because fruit is always considered arai. The Rosh [[Sukkah]] 2:13 quotes the Maharam Mirutenberg that one may not eat even fruit outside the [[sukkah]] but explains that the Maharam only refers to eating more than a k'beitzah but permits eating less than a k'beitzah of fruit. Shulchan Aruch and Rama 639:2 rule like tosafot, as does Natai Gavriel 50:1 </ref>Nonetheless, it's praiseworthy to have fruit in the [[Sukkah]].<ref>Chazon Ovadyah (pg 138), Yalkut Yosef (Moadim pg 143), Nitei Gavriel 50:12</ref>

#One may have drinks outside the [[Sukkah]].<ref>Shulchan Aruch 639:2 </ref> However, if one sits down to drink wine in a fixed manner (not just as a snack) especially if a group of people sit to drink wine one must drink it in the [[Sukkah]] but not make the Bracha of Leshev BaSukkah. According to Ashkenazim, one should preferably not establish a drink of wine or beer except in a meal of a [[Measurements#KeBaytzah|KeBaytzah]] of bread, or at least a cooked dish made out of the five grains which one must eat in the [[Sukkah]] and on which one could make the Bracha of Leshev BaSukkah.<ref>Mishna Brurah 639:13, Natai Gavriel 50:3 </ref> Nonetheless, it's praiseworthy to have all drinks in the [[Sukkah]].<ref>Shulchan Aruch 639:2 </ref>

#Even for those who usually do kiddush in shul on Friday nights it is preferable not to do kiddush in shul on Shabbat Sukkot since it is outside the Sukkah.<ref>Mateh Efraim 625:40</ref>

#If one makes a meal out of meat, fish, cheese, and the like, one should eat it in the [[Sukkah]]. However, if one doesn't eat it as a meal one may eat outside the [[Sukkah]].<ref>Rosh [[Sukkah]] 2:13 quotes Rabbeinu Peretz that the leniency of eating fruit outside of the [[sukkah]] does not apply to meat, fish and cheese. Shulchan Aruch O.C. 639:2 doesn't rule explicitly on these items but Mishna Brurah 639:13 says that Shulchan Aruch implies that it is permissible to eat these items outside of the [[sukkah]], like fruit. This is also the conclusion of Natai Gavriel 50:2 </ref> Nonetheless, it's praiseworthy to have meat, fish, rice, eggs, and cheese in the [[Sukkah]].<ref>Chazon Ovadyah ([[Sukkot]] pg 138), Yalkut Yosef (Moadim pg 143). see also Halichot Olam 2: page 281. </ref> Some say that it is proper to eat these foods in a Sukkah if one is having them as a meal.<Ref>Beyt Dovid Hilchot Sukkot (R' Dovid Shaul) p. 249 16:19 writes that it is proper to be strict to eat meat, fish, cheese, chullent, potatoes, eggs, cornflakes, and other similar foods which are filling in the Sukkah. He quotes this from Rav Elyashiv.</ref>

#If one ate more than a [[Measurements#KeBaytzah|KeBaytzah]] of [[Pas Haba Bikisnin]] (cookies and cakes) one must eat it in the [[Sukkah]] and the Ashkenazic minhag is to make a bracha of LeShev BaSukkah. If one eating it as a snack and not a meal then it is preferable to establish one's residence in the [[Sukkah]] for a brief time before or after eating and have in mind when making the bracha that it should cover the eating and the sitting in the [[Sukkah]].<ref>Mishna Brurah 639:16, [http://www.hebrewbooks.org/pdfpager.aspx?req=20231&pgnum=604 Maamar Mordechai 639:3], [http://www.hebrewbooks.org/pdfpager.aspx?req=46442&pgnum=245 Natai Gavriel 49:1-3]. Both the Maamar Mordechai and Nitai Gavriel clarify that there's no distinction between Pat Haba Bkisnin and other cooked mezonot dishes. Divrei Dovid 1:40 agrees and writes that if someone has a meal of noodles they must eat it in the sukkah. Rav Ovadia is quoted in Mshiurei Maran Rishon Letzion v. 1 p. 110 that one can eat up to 55 grams of noodles out of a sukkah.

*The Gemara Yoma 79b establishes that there's no obligation to eat fruit in the Sukkah. However, there is one suggestion in the gemara that fruit would require a Sukkah and the gemara isn't completely conclusive. The gemara does indicate that targima would require a Sukkah. Rosh Sukkah 2:13 and Rambam Sukkah 6:6 rule that fruit doesn't need a Sukkah, but the Rosh quotes the Maharam who was strict to eat fruit in the Sukkah. The Rosh clarifies that even the Maharam was only strict if he established the fruit as a meal and not a snack. What is targima? Tosfot 79b s.v. mini cites Rashi as explaining targima to mean fruit and rejecting that explanation. Tosfot Yeshanim 79b s.v. mini based on Tosefta Brachot 4:4 explains targima to be cooked mezonot dishes. Tosfot Harosh 79b s.v. mah and Rosh Sukkah 2:13 agrees. However, Rosh also cites Rabbenu Peretz who explains that meat and cheese are considered targima.

*Based on Tosfot and Rosh, Tur and Shulchan Aruch O.C. 639:2 conclude that for cooked mezonot dishes require a Sukkah if one establishes them as a meal. What is a keviyut seudah? The Maamar Mordechai 639:3 learns from the Magen Avraham 639:6 that keviyut seudah depends on a person's intention to have a meal as opposed to have a snack and not on any objective amount. Aruch Hashulchan 639:9 and Biur Halacha 639:2 s.v. im agree. The Magen Avraham 639:6 disagrees with the Rosh that keviyut seudah isn't whatever a person has for a meal but anything more than a Kbeytzah. The Mishna Brurah 639:15 is concerned for the Rosh but doesn't require a bracha of leshev.

*Ginat Veradim 4:6 writes that everyone would agree that more than a Kbeytzah of Pat Haba Bkisnin requires a Sukkah with a bracha. However, Chida (Machzik Bracha 639:5) points out that the Ginat Veradim has no proof and instead concludes that only for more than a Kbeytzah of bread should one recite a leshev bsukkah since there isn't a definite obligation to have Pat Haba Bkisnin in a Sukkah.

*Mishna Brurah 639:16 concludes that if one has intention to have a meal with mezonot, there is no distinction between Pat Haba Bekisnin and a cooked dish mezonot, both require a Sukkah with a bracha of Leshev. However, if one doesn't have intention to have a meal with mezonot, according to the Rosh there's no obligation to have it in a Sukkah and according to the Magen Avraham there is. Although the halacha doesn't follow the Magen Avraham, the minhag is to follow the Magen Avraham to recite a leshev for more than a Kbeytzah of Pat Haba Bkisnin.

*[http://www.hebrewbooks.org/pdfpager.aspx?req=49175&pgnum=344 Shoneh Halachot 639:10-11] clarifies that this minhag only applies to Pat Haba Bkisnin and not cooked dish mezonot. Therefore, if one ate more than a K'beytzah of Pat Haba Bkisnin one should eat in the Sukkah. If one is eating that as a meal one should recite a bracha of Leshev Bsukkah. Even if one isn't eating it as a meal nonetheless the minhag is to recite a bracha of Leshev. However, to avoid a question of a bracha levatala a person should sit down for some time to establish their residence in the sukkah. If one ate less than a K'beytzah of Pat Haba Bkisnin it is considered a snack and doesn't require a sukkah. Yet, if one ate more than a K'beytzah of a cooked dish of mezonot if one eats it as a meal one should recite a Leshev. However, if one doesn't intend to eat it as a meal one should eat it in the Sukkah without reciting a leshev.

*However, Nitai Gavriel Sukkot 49:3 argues that if one eats more than a Kbeytzah of any mezonot food the Ashkenazic minhag is to recite a Leshev Bsukkah.</ref>  

##If one is going to stay a short in the sukkah and eat a kebeytzah of pat haba bkisnin one should recite a bracha of leshev bsukkah before the mezonot. Some poskim that one can recite it between the mezonot and eating.<ref>Piskei Hahalachot 639:30 quotes a dispute between Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach (Shemirat Shabbat Kehilchata ch. 45 fnt. 45) and Rav Nissim Karelitz (Chut Shani p. 250) whether one should recite leshev bsukkah in advance of reciting mezonot so that it isn't an interruption between the mezonot and eating since the bracha isn't upon the eating exclusively. Rav Karelitz argues that one can recite leshev between the mezonot and eating as usual since the bracha of lshehev is primarily for the eating.</ref>

#If one ate more than a [[Measurements#KeBaytzah|KeBaytzah]] of a cooked dish made out of the five grains (such as noodles) one must eat in the Sukkah. If one establishes it as a meal one should recite a Leshev Basukkah. If one is just eating it as a snack, according to Ashkenazim, there is a dispute if one should recite a Leshev Basukkah.<ref>See footnotes to the previous halacha.</ref>

#Sephardim hold that even though one must eat it in a [[Sukkah]] (if one eats more than a [[Measurements#KeBaytzah|KeBaytzah]]), one doesn't make the bracha of LeShev BaSukkah unless one ate 162 grams of a [[Pat Haba Bkisnin]] food, and it's preferable to eat 216 grams in order to make the bracha according to all opinions. For cooked dish mezonot foods there is no bracha of leshev basukkah.<ref>Chazon Ovadyah ([[Sukkot]] pg 132-6), Yalkut Yosef (Moadim pg 142-3) </ref> If one made a meal out of the noodles with 162 grams one must eat it in the sukkah and recite the bracha of Leshev Bsukkah even according to Sephardim.<ref>Shulchan Aruch O.C. 639:2, Chazon Ovadia p. 136. Yalkut Yosef (Sukkah, 5775, p. 690) holds that we recite a bracha like the Shoel Vnishal 3:95 and 3:165 and Etz Shatul 49 unlike the Ben Ish Chai (Yedey Chaim p. 93). </ref>

#If one is in the middle of a bread meal one may not eat any food or drink outside the [[Sukkah]], and even if there is food in one's mouth and one began chewing, when one leaves the [[Sukkah]] one shouldn't continue chewing until one returns to the [[Sukkah]].<ref>Yalkut Yosef (Moadim pg 143), Halichot Olam 2:pg. 271, Meiri Sukka 26b "Hamishnah Hachamishit", Shaar Hatziyun 639:29 </ref>

#Some say that It's proper to say the bracha of Leshev before making the [[HaMotzei]]. However, it's not an interruption if one does [[HaMotzei]] before the beracha of Leshev basukkah. On [[Shabbat]] and [[Yom Tov]], the Leshev beracha is said in [[Kiddish]] before one drinks from the wine.<ref>Shulchan Aruch and Rama 643:3, Yalkut Yosef Moadim pg 145, Chazon Ovadyah ([[Sukkot]] pg 172).<br />

The Rosh (Sukkah 4:3) cites the practice of the Maharam Rotenberg to recite the bracha of leshev ba’sukkah prior to making a hamotzei on a meal he would eat in the sukkah. He explained that the Maharam held that one should recite a bracha for any use of the sukkah including sitting in there. Since one is technically obligated in the bracha prior to eating, one should recite that bracha first. However, the Rosh notes, the minhag is only to recite leshev ba’sukkah when one eats a meal. If so, one should first recite hamotzei to start the meal and then leshev ba’sukkah. The S”A 643:3 codifies the opinion of the Maharam but also mentions the common minhag. Chazon Ovadia (Sukkot p. 172) writes it is proper to follow the Maharam. Nitai Gavriel 45:3 advises following the minhag. [http://www.dailyhalacha.com/displayRead.asp?readID=2769 Rabbi Eli Mansour] writes that both practices are valid </ref>

#For which foods it's proper to make LeShev BaSukkah, see above [[#Which_foods_can_one_eat_outside_the_Sukkah?]].

#If one is fasting for a taanit chalom on [[sukkot]], one should still not recite the beracha on sleeping or sitting in the [[sukkah]], because the beracha was established for eating only.<ref>Yalkut Yosef Moadim pg. 145 </ref>

#Anytime one “leaves completely” from the sukkah he must make a new bracha upon returning to the sukkah if he desires to eat foods requiring a leshev ba’sukkah. “Leaving completely” includes anytime a person plans on leaving the sukkah and not returning immediately thereby causing him to forget about the fact that he is planning on returning to the sukkah soon (“hesech ha’daas”).<ref>Mishna Brurah 639:46. It may be that this only applies while one is in the midst of his meal, however if after birkat hamazon one leaves for even a small amount of time it could be that he is obligated to make a new bracha upon returning. However, the Shaar Ha’tziyun 639:91 concludes safek brachos le’hakel. </ref>

#If one plans to sit or sleep in the sukkah for a significant period of time without eating foods that require a sukkah, one should not recite a bracha of leshev ba’sukkah. Some poskim, however, assume that one can recite leshev ba’sukkah.<ref>

*The Gemara (Sukkah 45b) records a dispute whether one should recite one bracha of leshev ba’sukkah for all of Sukkot or for each day. Tosfot (s.v. echad) explains that the opinion who says to make it each day really holds one should recite a bracha each time one enters the sukkah. The Rosh (Sukkah 4:3), Rif (22a), and Rambam (Sukkah 6:12) hold like the opinion who holds one should make it each time one enters the sukkah.

*The Rosh notes that the minhag is only to recite the bracha when sitting down to eat in the sukkah since it is most permanent of one’s actions in the sukkah. S”A 639:4 and Rama codify this minhag. Nonetheless, the Chaye Adam 147:15 and Mishna Brurah 639:45 write that if one enters the sukkah for a significant amount of time and doesn’t eat, one should still recite a bracha since there’s nothing to exempt that time spent in the sukkah. The Piskei Teshuvot (p. 377) cites a dispute whether we accept the Chaye Adam and suggests that one should avoid this situation by eating some food that requires a leshev ba’sukkah.</ref>

#There is an obligation to eat a Kezayit of bread in the Sukkah on the first night of Sukkot.<ref>The Rabbis in the Mishna (Sukkah 27a) hold that there is an obligation to eat in the Sukkah on the first night and afterwards it is optional to eat in the Sukkah. The gemara explains that the reason for the Rabbis is that there is a gezerah shava between Sukkot and Pesach and just like there is an obligation to eat Matzah on the first night of Pesach, so too there is an obligation to eat bread on the first night of Sukkot. This is codified by the Rambam (Sukkah 6:7) and Shulchan Aruch 639:3.</ref> According to many rishonim, there is an obligation to eat a meal in the Sukkah each day and night of Yom Tov.<ref>The Gemara Brachot 49b states that on Yom Tov one would have to repeat Birkat HaMazon if one forgot to say Yaaleh VeYavo because there is an obligation to eat a meal. The rishonim point out that this seems to be at odds with the gemara Sukkah 27a which says that it is optional to have a meal on Sukkot other than on the first night.  

*Some rishonim answer that there is an obligation to eat a meal each day and night of Yom Tov because of Yom Tov, but the obligation unique to the Sukkah is just the first night. If so, what's the difference between the obligation to eat a meal due to the fact that it is Yom Tov and the obligation to eat a because of the Sukkah? Rabbenu Yehuda (Tosfot Brachot 49b s.v. Iy) answers that if it rains and one has to eat inside, if the obligation is just because of Yom Tov one would fulfill one's obligation. However, if the obligation is because of the Sukkah one would have to eat in the Sukkah anyway after the rain stops. The Rosh (Brachot 7:23) quotes Rabbenu Yehuda with a slight discrepancy; he states that one should eat one's meal in the rain as opposed to waiting until the rain stops.

*Some rishonim argue that there is no obligation to eat in the Sukkah if it rains outside and the first night is no different. Such is the opinion of the Rashba (responsa 4:78) and Raavad (cited by Kol Bo 87 and Beit Yosef 639:3). According to the Trumat HaDeshen (Pesakim n. 160), the Smag (Asin 43), and Or Zaruah 2:301 also agree. S”A 639:3-5 rules like the Rashba that one is not obligated to eat in the Sukkah besides the first night and one is not obligated to eat in the Sukkah on the first night if it rains. Chazon Ovadia (p. 100 and 122) rules like S”A in both instances.

#On the first night of Sukkot, one should wait to do [[Kiddush]] until after [[Tzet HaKochavim]]. However, after the fact if one made [[Kiddish|Kiddush]] during [[Bein HaShemashot]] and ate a [[Kezayit]] of bread one should make sure to have another [[Kezayit]] after [[Tzet HaKochavim|Tzet HaKochavim,]] but one doesn’t need to make another Bracha of LeShev BaSukkah.<ref>Rama 639:3 writes that one make sure not to eat until nighttime. Mishna Brurah 639:25 explains that this is based on the connection between [[Pesach]] and [[Sukkot]] and by [[Matzah]] one may only eat at night as it says in the פסוק. Mishna Brurah continues that after the fact if one ate one should eat another [[Kezayit]] but not make another LeShev BaSukkah because of [[Safek Brachot LeHakel]]. Nitei Gavriel ([[Sukkot]] 38:12) extends the Rama to not even making [[Kiddish]] before nighttime. Yalkut Yosef (Moadim pg 138) agrees with the above halachot. </ref>

#The order of Kiddush is hagefen, kiddush hayom, leshev ba’sukkah, and then on the first night, shehechiyanu. The reason that leshev follows kiddush hayom is because we only sit in the sukkah due to the sanctity of the day. Also, we delay shehechiyanu until the end in order to ensure that it covers both the kiddush hayom and the sukkah itself.<ref>Shulchan Aruch O.C. 643:1, Mishna Brurah 643:1, Chazon Ovadia Sukkot pg. 95 </ref> After the fact, if one made [[Shehecheyanu]] before [[Kiddish|Kiddush]] one fulfilled one's obligation (and one shouldn't go repeat it after [[Kiddish]]).<ref>Mishna Brurah 643:3 </ref>

#According to Ashkenazim, if one didn’t sit in the sukkah on the first night but recited kiddush with Shehechiyanu indoors, one should repeat Shehechiyanu the next time one eats in the sukkah even. According to Sephardim, one should not.<ref>The Ran (Sukkah 22a s.v. VeIm) cites the Raavad who says that if one didn’t eat in the sukkah on the first night and said shehechiyanu indoors, one should say shehechiyanu the next time one eats in the sukkah for the sukkah itself. This is codified by the Rama 641:1. Chazon Ovadia (p. 127), however, is concerned for the Bach (responsa 132) who argues that the bracha of shehechiyanu can exempt a mitzvah even if it isn’t present when the bracha was made. Seemingly, this is only relevant for the Rama under extenuating circumstances. See Eliyah Rabba 641:2. </ref>

#If one didn’t make a [[Shehecheyanu]] on the first night of [[Sukkot]], one can make it the rest of days and nights of [[Sukkot]].<ref>Magen Avraham 643:1, Mishna Brurah 643:2, Chazon Ovadyah (pg. 95) </ref>

# Some poskim hold woman shouldn't answer amen to the bracha of Leshev Bsukkah in the kiddush if they plan to drink wine or grape juice since it could be a hefsek,<ref>[https://www.torahanytime.com/#/lectures?a=125962 Rav Dovid Yosef (Mitzvat Yeshiva Bsukkah 5781 min 9)] citing his father, Rav Ovadia Yosef, holds that it is forbidden for the women to answer amen. [https://www.yutorah.org/sidebar/lecturedata/1076067/Piskei-Rav-Schachter:-Rain-on-the-First-Two-Nights-of-Sukkos Rav Hershel Schachter (Teshuva Tishrei 5784)] agrees that they shouldn't answer amen.</ref> while others allow them to answer amen.<ref>Rav Moshe Feinstein (Igrot Moshe OC 4:101:1) explains that it isn't a hefsek for a woman to answer amen to shehechiyanu in kiddush even though she already said that bracha when she lit candles. The reason is that since the one making kiddush needs to recite that bracha for himself she may answer amen.</ref>

# Women may answer amen to the bracha of Leshev Basukkah at the end of kiddush even according to Sephardim that they may not recite the bracha themselves. The amen isn't considered an interruption between the kiddush and drinking wine or grape juice.<ref>Igrot Moshe OC 4:101:1</ref>

##According to Ashekenazim, one is not exempt from the [[Sukkah]]. Some poskim hold that one should wait an hour or two for the rain to stop. If it does, one should eat in the [[Sukkah]] with a bracha of Leshev Basukkah. But if it doesn't, one should recite [[Kiddush]] and eat a [[kezayit]] of bread in the [[Sukkah]] without the bracha of Leshev Basukkah.<ref>Rama 639:5, Mishna Brurah 639:35  

*Accordingly, the Tzlach (Brachot 49b) writes that a person should wait an hour or two for the rain to stop so that one can eat in the sukkah after it stops raining. The Mishna Brurah 639:35 agrees.

*However, the Shvut Yaakov 3:45 (cited by Shaarei Teshuva 639:13) writes vehemently against those who would wait until midnight to start the meal to wait for the rain to stop. He explains that either one is exempt from the sukkah altogether, like S”A, or one should eat in the sukkah while it is raining, but waiting to eat only detracts from simchat Yom Tov.

*Chachmat Shlomo 639:5 writes that one is usually exempt from sitting in the Sukkah when it is raining because doing so would be causing oneself pain. On the first night, however, since it is a mitzvah to eat in the sukkah, that in and of itself is a reason why it would be considered an enjoyment and not a pain to eat in the rain.

*Rabbi Zvi Sobolofsky (“Eating In The Succah The first Night Of Succos and Hilchos Mitztaer” min 30-3) quotes Rabbi Mordechai Willig as having ruled that if it rains on the first night of Sukkot one may say Kiddush in the Sukkah without waiting for the rain to stop. Similarly, Rav Hershel Schachter (“Inyonei Sukkos 2” min 51-2) said that if it is raining the minhag is to say Kiddush without leshev ba’sukkah, eat a kezayit of bread in the sukkah, and then if it stops raining have another kezayit in the sukkah.</ref> Other poskim hold that one may say [[Kiddush]] in the [[Sukkah]] without waiting for the rain to stop.<ref>[http://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/749248/Rabbi_Zvi_Sobolofsky/_Eating_In_The_Succah_The_first_Night_Of_Succos_and_Hilchos_Mitztaer# Rabbi Tzvi Sobolovsky in a shiur on yutorah.org (min 30-3)] quotes Rabbi Mordechai Willig as having ruled that if it rains on the first night of [[Sukkot]] one may say [[Kiddush]] in the [[Sukkah]] without waiting for the rain to stop. </ref>

##If the weather forecast is that there is supposed to be rain all night, even according to Ashkenazim, it isn't necessary to wait any amount of time and it is fine to immediately make Kiddush without the bracha of Leshev Basukkah and eat a kezayit of bread in the Sukkah.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/sidebar/lecturedata/1076067/Piskei-Rav-Schachter:-Rain-on-the-First-Two-Nights-of-Sukkos Rav Hershel Schachter (Teshuva Tishrei 5784)]</ref>

##When eating a kezayit of bread in the Sukkah and then going inside, a person should eat a little bit of bread inside so that he can recite birkat hamazon inside.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/sidebar/lecturedata/1076067/Piskei-Rav-Schachter:-Rain-on-the-First-Two-Nights-of-Sukkos Rav Hershel Schachter (Teshuva Tishrei 5784)]</ref>

##According to Sephardim, one is exempt from the [[Sukkah]] and one should eat in the house.<ref>Shulchan Aruch 639:3-5 rules like the Rashba that one is not obligated to eat in the Sukkah besides the first night and one is not obligated to eat in the Sukkah on the first night if it rains. Chazon Ovadia (p. 100 and 122) rules like Shulchan Aruch in both instances. </ref>  However, if one wants to be strict one may wait a little bit for the rain to stop but one should not wait too long which would cause oneself pain on [[Yom Tov]]. If after eating the house the rains stops then if it’s before [[chatzot]] (halachic midnight) one should go into the [[Sukkah]] to eat one [[kezayit]] of bread and make Leshev Basukkah and if it’s after [[chatzot]] one shouldn’t recite the bracha of Leshev unless one eats a [[KeBaytzah|kebaytzah]] of bread.<ref>Yalkut Yosef (Moadim pg 140), Chazon Ovadyah ([[Sukkot]] pg 122) </ref>

#If one recited [[Kiddush]] and ate a [[keyazit]] of bread in the [[Sukkah]] while it was raining and then one wakes up in the middle of the night and sees that it is not raining, some poskim hold that one does not have to get up to eat in the [[Sukkah]],<ref>Mishna Brurah 639:36</ref> while others hold that one should get up to eat more than a kebeytzah of bread in the [[Sukkah]].<ref>[http://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/749248/Rabbi_Zvi_Sobolofsky/_Eating_In_The_Succah_The_first_Night_Of_Succos_and_Hilchos_Mitztaer# Rabbi Tzvi Sobolovsky in a shiur on yutorah.org (min 30-5)] quotes Rabbi Mordechai Willig as having ruled that if it rains on the first night of [[Sukkot]] and one ate in the [[Sukkah]], and then fell asleep, if one wakes up and sees that it stopped raining, one should get up and eat a [[Kezayit]] in the [[Sukkah]] in order to be certain that one fulfilled this mitzvah deoritta. [https://www.yutorah.org/sidebar/lecturedata/1076067/Piskei-Rav-Schachter:-Rain-on-the-First-Two-Nights-of-Sukkos Rav Hershel Schachter (Teshuva Tishrei 5784)] agrees that he should eat again in the Sukkah. He adds that someone who woke up should even wake others up in order to fulfill this mitzvah. </ref>

#It is permissible for the men to make Kiddush in the Sukkah and the women and those who are exempt from Sukkah to listen to the Kiddush while staying inside.<ref>Shulchan Aruch O.C. 273:6, Mishna Brurah 273:28. [https://www.yutorah.org/sidebar/lecturedata/1076067/Piskei-Rav-Schachter:-Rain-on-the-First-Two-Nights-of-Sukkos Rav Hershel Schachter (Teshuva Tishrei 5784)] writes that in such a situation the women should make kiddush for themselves inside.</ref>

#If the rain stops but your Sukkah is still too wet to sit in, and someone else has a Sukkah which had a shlok (roof) on their Sukkah to protect it from the rain on the first two nights of Sukkot he must go and eat in his friends Sukkah that is dry.<ref>[https://www.yutorah.org/sidebar/lecturedata/1076067/Piskei-Rav-Schachter:-Rain-on-the-First-Two-Nights-of-Sukkos Rav Hershel Schachter (Teshuva Tishrei 5784)] explains that the type of mista'er (pain that exempts a person from Sukkah) to have to go to his friend's Sukkah only exempts him the other days of Sukkot but not the first two nights of Sukkah since at the time when he's sitting in the Sukkah he won't be mista'er. </ref>

=== If it rains the second night of [[Sukkot]] ===

# If it rains the second night of Sukkot, according to Ashkenazim, it isn't necessary to wait to see if the rain is going to stop. He should just recite Kiddush inside and at the end of the meal eat a kezayit of bread in the Sukkah, even if the rain has not yet stopped. If it is still raining he should not recite Leshev Basukkah. If afterwards it stopped raining he should return to the Sukkah to eat more than a Kebaytzah with a bracha of Leshev Basukkah. This is the strict halacha, however, some poskim hold that it is proper even on the second night to wait a little bit to see if the rain is going to stop.<ref>Mishna Brurah 639:36. In Shaar Hatziyun 639: 71 he cites Magen Avraham who is lenient not to require sitting in the Sukkah at all on the second day if it is raining, but rejects that opinion because Radvaz and Eliya Rabba argue that the second day is like the first day for this matter. </ref>  

## Some poskim argue that it isn't necessary to sit in the rain in the Sukkah on the second day of Sukkot. If someone wants to be strict they may eat a kezayit of bread in the Sukkah in the middle or end of the meal.<ref>Magen Avraham 639:15, Shulchan Aruch Harav 639:19, Aruch Hashulchan 639:18</ref>

#According to Ashkenazim, if one plans to eat mezonot products after reciting the daytime kiddush he should recite leshev ba’sukkah before drinking the wine.<ref>Mishna Brurah 643:9</ref> According to Sephardim, no leshev is recited for mezonot.<ref>Chazon Ovadia p. 134 </ref>

#According to Sephardim, it is proper to stand for Kiddush. The Ashkenazic practice, however, is to sit.<ref>The Rambam (Sukkah 6:12) writes that one should stand for kiddush and then sit for the bracha of leshev ba’sukkah. The Maggid Mishna explains that the Rambam held that one should recite the bracha immediately prior to fulfilling the mitzvah of sitting in the sukkah. The Raavad, however, argues that the bracha is really made upon the eating and so it should be said sitting before eating. The Maggid Mishna and Rosh (Sukkah 4:3) agree with the Raavad and explain that the language of ‘leshev ba’sukkah’ doesn’t refer to literally sitting but to dwelling as per the pasuk “BaSukkot Teshvu”. Shulchan Aruch 643:2 holds the Rambam and Rama like the Raavad. </ref>

#Ideally the Yom Tov candles should be lit where they are going to eat. That is, the Sukkah. However, if there is any concern that it might cause a fire one should just have electric lights in the Sukkah and light the candles indoors in the kitchen or bedroom where they can be enjoyed on Yom Tov.<ref>Mateh Efraim 625:33 writes that the candles should be lit in the sukkah. Chazon Ovadia (Sukkot p. 207) writes that the candles can be lit indoors if there's any concern of danger. Responsa Maamer Mordechai 4:12 clarifies that the candles can be lit in the kitchen or bedroom but the woman should be sure to benefit from them during the night and not just leave them in the kitchen and go somewhere else. Aseh Lecha Rav 2:42 agrees.</ref>

#Even though women are exempt from eating in the Sukkah the mitzvah of lighting Yom Tov candles, nonetheless women have the initial right to light the candles instead of having the men light.<ref>Chazon Ovadia (Sukkot p. 213)</ref>

#If on the first night of [[Sukkot]] one had the required [[Kezayit]] of bread and in [[benching]] one forgot to say Yaale VeYavo