Materials to use for S'chach: Difference between revisions
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Materials to use for S'chach (view source)
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# There are three conditions for [[Schach]] to be valid. It must be made from a material that grows from the ground, is detached from the ground, and is impervious to impurity (see further for examples). <ref>The Mishna ([[Sukkah]] 11a) indicates that [[Schach]] must be grown from the ground, detached from the ground, and impervious to impurity. The source for these requirements according to the gemara ([[Sukkah]] 12a) is the pasuk (Devarim 16:13) which says that the [[Schach]] should be made from the materials of the granary and winery. | # There are three conditions for [[Schach]] to be valid. It must be made from a material that grows from the ground, is detached from the ground, and is impervious to impurity (see further for examples). <ref>The Mishna ([[Sukkah]] 11a) indicates that [[Schach]] must be grown from the ground, detached from the ground, and impervious to impurity. The source for these requirements according to the gemara ([[Sukkah]] 12a) is the pasuk (Devarim 16:13) which says that the [[Schach]] should be made from the materials of the granary and winery. | ||
See also Rashi ([[Sukkah]] 11a s.v. pesula). Rambam ([[Sukkah]] 5:1) and Shulchan Aruch 629:1 codify this as halacha. Yalkut Yosef Moadim page 123 and Chazon Ovadia [[Sukkot]] page 14 concur. </ref> All of these examples are biblical invalidations.<ref>Biur Halacha 629 s.v. Tzomech</ref> | See also Rashi ([[Sukkah]] 11a s.v. pesula). Rambam ([[Sukkah]] 5:1) and Shulchan Aruch 629:1 codify this as halacha. Yalkut Yosef Moadim page 123 and Chazon Ovadia [[Sukkot]] page 14 concur. </ref> All of these examples are biblical invalidations.<ref>Biur Halacha 629 s.v. Tzomech</ref> | ||
===Grow from the Ground=== | ===Grow from the Ground=== | ||
# In order for Schach to be kosher it must grow from the ground.<ref>S"A 629:1</ref> Metal, dirt, and animal hides are unfit for [[S'chach]] as they do not grow from the ground.<ref>Shulchan Aruch and Rama 629:1, Yalkut Yosef Moadim page 123, Chazon Ovadia [[Sukkot]] page 14 </ref> | # In order for Schach to be kosher it must grow from the ground.<ref>S"A 629:1</ref> | ||
# Metal, dirt, and animal hides are unfit for [[S'chach]] as they do not grow from the ground.<ref>Shulchan Aruch and Rama 629:1, Yalkut Yosef Moadim page 123, Chazon Ovadia [[Sukkot]] page 14 </ref> | |||
# Nylon or plastic curtains are not kosher for sechach because they do not grow from the ground.<Ref> Chazon Ovadia Sukkot pg. 15, Shu"t Shevet Halevi 4:57 </ref> Neither is glass for the same reason. <Ref> Chazon Ovadia Sukkot pg. 15, Bikkurei Yaakov 632:7 </ref> | |||
# Fresh plants that will dry up and fall down in the middle of Sukkot are unfit even for the beginning of Sukkot. <Ref>Rama 639:12, Magen Avraham 629:13</ref> Similarly, if the plants cover a majority while they are fresh and they will dry up in the middle of Sukkot and cover a minority of the Sukkah that is also an issue even for the beginning of Sukkot.<ref>The Levush 629:12 writes that if the fresh plants cover a majority only while they are fresh and they will dry up and cover a minority of the Sukkah that is an issue. However, the Pri Megadim (E"A 629:13) questions him and points out that perhaps this is only a rabbinic concern. Kaf Hachaim 629:73 is concerned for the Levush.</ref> | # Fresh plants that will dry up and fall down in the middle of Sukkot are unfit even for the beginning of Sukkot. <Ref>Rama 639:12, Magen Avraham 629:13</ref> Similarly, if the plants cover a majority while they are fresh and they will dry up in the middle of Sukkot and cover a minority of the Sukkah that is also an issue even for the beginning of Sukkot.<ref>The Levush 629:12 writes that if the fresh plants cover a majority only while they are fresh and they will dry up and cover a minority of the Sukkah that is an issue. However, the Pri Megadim (E"A 629:13) questions him and points out that perhaps this is only a rabbinic concern. Kaf Hachaim 629:73 is concerned for the Levush.</ref> | ||
# | |||
====Completely Changed Form, ==== | |||
# Material that is grown from the ground but is completely changed from its original form is unfit. <ref>Rambam ([[Sukkah]] 5:4)</ref> For example, paper and cardboard are unfit for [[Schach]]. <ref>Chazon Ovadia Sukkot pg. 16, Yalkut Yosef 629:14. Minchat Shlomo 112 entertains both the possibility that paper is unfit because it is changed from its original form and because perhaps it is susceptible to impurity.</ref> This is a rabbinic invalidation.<ref>Mishna Brurah 629:12</ref> One may however use paper for decorating the sechach.<ref>Chazon Ovadia Sukkot pg. 16 Shu"t Minchat Shlomo 3:151</ref> | |||
# One is permitted to paint or color the sechach to make it look more beautiful.<ref> Chazon Ovadia Sukkot pg. 32, Halichot Shlomo pg. 130 </ref> | |||
===Attached to the Ground=== | ===Attached to the Ground=== | ||
# Branches attached to a tree which is still attached to the ground is not fit for [[schach]]. Therefore, if one | # Branches attached to a tree which is still attached to the ground is not fit for [[schach]]. Therefore, if one builds a [[Sukkah]] underneath a tree, using the branches as sechach and then decided to detach them from the tree, one must shake each branch by lifting and placing back down. Otherwise it is not kosher, as this is a problem of taaseh vilo min ha'asuy. <ref> Shulchan Aruch 626:2, Yalkut Yosef Moadim page 123, Chazon Ovadia [[Sukkot]] page 33. </ref> | ||
===Impervious to Impurity=== | ===Impervious to Impurity=== | ||
# One may not use food as [[Schach]] since it is susceptible to impurity.<ref>Rambam ([[Sukkah]] 5:3)</ref> | # One may not use food as [[Schach]] since it is susceptible to impurity.<ref>Rambam ([[Sukkah]] 5:3), Chazon Ovadia Sukkot pg. 19</ref> | ||
# One may use spices which are only meant to be smelled or flowers which are only meant as decoration as [[Schach]] since they are impervious to impurity.<ref>Rav Ovadyah Yosef in Chazon Ovadia ([[Sukkot]], p. 23)</ref> | # One may use spices which are only meant to be smelled or flowers which are only meant as decoration as [[Schach]] since they are impervious to impurity.<ref>Rav Ovadyah Yosef in Chazon Ovadia ([[Sukkot]], p. 23)</ref> | ||
# Even things that only can become tameh midirabanan are not kosher for sechach.<ref> Chazon Ovadia Sukkot pg. 21</ref> | |||
===Bamboo Mats=== | ===Bamboo Mats=== | ||
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* Chazon Ovadia (p. 23) writes that bamboo mats that are strung together with organic materials or cotton are valid [[schach]]. He reasons that it is similar to the case of the mat which is used only for [[schach]] and is recognizable for that purpose. Therefore, the mats aren’t susceptible to impurity. Also, it isn’t similar to a roof as there are spaces between the planks and can be folded up. Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach (Halichot Shlomo p. 128) and Rav Hershel Schachter (עניני יוה”כ וסוכות, min 78-79:30) agreed. | * Chazon Ovadia (p. 23) writes that bamboo mats that are strung together with organic materials or cotton are valid [[schach]]. He reasons that it is similar to the case of the mat which is used only for [[schach]] and is recognizable for that purpose. Therefore, the mats aren’t susceptible to impurity. Also, it isn’t similar to a roof as there are spaces between the planks and can be folded up. Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach (Halichot Shlomo p. 128) and Rav Hershel Schachter (עניני יוה”כ וסוכות, min 78-79:30) agreed. | ||
* Tzitz Eliezer 10:29 writes that one shouldn't use reed or straw mats for [[Schach]]. The reasoning is that the mats are sometimes used for sitting, sleeping, or containing items in which case they are impure. This would be a biblical invalidation. He adds that even if its designated to be used for [[schach]] there would be a rabbinic prohibition lest it be confused with those that are are unfit. Additionally, sometimes it is used as for roofing in which case they would be unfit as it looks like a real roof. </ref> | * Tzitz Eliezer 10:29 writes that one shouldn't use reed or straw mats for [[Schach]]. The reasoning is that the mats are sometimes used for sitting, sleeping, or containing items in which case they are impure. This would be a biblical invalidation. He adds that even if its designated to be used for [[schach]] there would be a rabbinic prohibition lest it be confused with those that are are unfit. Additionally, sometimes it is used as for roofing in which case they would be unfit as it looks like a real roof. </ref> | ||
# Regarding the use of hemp string to tie the bamboo for the [[schach]] together, most poskim are lenient. <ref> Regarding the hemp string used to tie the bamboos together, Rav Ovadia (Chazon Ovadia p. 30) writes that using string made from organic material for [[schach]] is only invalid rabbinically according to the Rambam if it is altered from its natural form (or according to the Raavad because it is useable for clothing). Since it is only a rabbinic issue, Rav Ovadia reasons that it is permitted to use it in order to hold up or hold together the [[schach]]. See the next footnote regarding maamid regarding items that are rabbinically invalid. Accordingly, Rav Schachter (“Inyonei [[Sukkos]]” on Yutorah.org min 60-4) permitted using hemp or cotton strings to hold together the bamboo mats. </ref> | # Regarding the use of hemp string to tie the bamboo for the [[schach]] together, most poskim are lenient.<ref> Regarding the hemp string used to tie the bamboos together, Rav Ovadia (Chazon Ovadia p. 30) writes that using string made from organic material for [[schach]] is only invalid rabbinically according to the Rambam if it is altered from its natural form (or according to the Raavad because it is useable for clothing). Since it is only a rabbinic issue, Rav Ovadia reasons that it is permitted to use it in order to hold up or hold together the [[schach]]. See the next footnote regarding maamid regarding items that are rabbinically invalid. Accordingly, Rav Schachter (“Inyonei [[Sukkos]]” on Yutorah.org min 60-4) permitted using hemp or cotton strings to hold together the bamboo mats. </ref> Some are concerned when the strings used to tie the mats are spun and others aren't.<Ref>Rashi Shabbat 64a s.v. yachol holds that any string that the fibers of which are spun by themselves are mekabel tumah. The Rambam (Sukkah 5:4, Kelim 22:1) disagrees and the Meiri 64a s.v. kilki explains the dispute in how to learn the gemara. The Shulchan Aruch (Bet Yosef 629:5) follows the Rambam as does the Mishna Brurah, but the Shaar Hatziyun 629:20 notes Rashi. Rav Moshe Feinstein (Igrot Moshe 1:177) in discussing venetian blinds also seems to be strict for Rashi. [https://www.star-k.org/articles/articles/seasonal/428/undercover-the-halachos-of-schach/ Rav Heinemann] is strict for Rashi. Rav Hershel Schachter is not concerned for Rashi since the Shulchan Aruch followed the Rambam.</ref> | ||
==Thickness of the Schach== | ==Thickness of the Schach== | ||
# The [[S'chach]] should be made so that there is a majority of shade and minority of sunlight that's let through the [[S'chach]]. If there's an equal amount of shade and sun in the actual [[S'chach]] it's unfit but if there's an equal amount of shade to light that shines on the floor of the [[Sukkah]] it's fit. <ref>Shulchan Aruch 631:1 and 4 </ref> | # The [[S'chach]] should be made so that there is a majority of shade and minority of sunlight that's let through the [[S'chach]]. If there's an equal amount of shade and sun in the actual [[S'chach]] it's unfit but if there's an equal amount of shade to light that shines on the floor of the [[Sukkah]] it's fit. <ref>Shulchan Aruch 631:1 and 4 </ref> | ||
# The [[S'chach]] should be thin enough that one can see the large stars through the [[S'chach]]. <ref>Shulchan Aruch 631:3, The Pri Megadim E”A 631:11 writes that it is sufficient as long as the stars are visible from one point in the [[sukkah]]. </ref> | # The [[S'chach]] should be thin enough that one can see the large stars through the [[S'chach]]. <ref>Shulchan Aruch 631:3, Chazon Ovadia Sukkot pg. 24. The Pri Megadim E”A 631:11 writes that it is sufficient as long as the stars are visible from one point in the [[sukkah]]. </ref> | ||
# If one made the [[S'chach]] very thick so that one can't see the stars nonetheless it's fit. However, if it's so thick that when it rains a lot water won't come in then it's unfit unless there's no way to remove some [[S'chach]] in which case one may rely on the lenient opinions. <ref>Shulchan Aruch 631:3, Mishna Brurah 631:6 </ref> | # If one made the [[S'chach]] very thick so that one can't see the stars nonetheless it's fit. However, if it's so thick that when it rains a lot water won't come in then some poskim hold that it's unfit, unless there's no way to remove some [[S'chach]] in which case one may rely on the lenient opinions. <ref>Shulchan Aruch 631:3, Mishna Brurah 631:6. | ||
* The Mordechai Sukkah 1:732 writes that a sukkah that is so thick that it doesn't allow rain to fall in, according to Rashi is kosher, but not according to Rabbenu Tam. | |||
* Shulchan Aruch HaRav 631:5 holds that it is not kosher. | |||
* Birkei Yosef 631:2 holds that although it is not ideal, it is still kosher. Chazon Ovadia Sukkot pg. 24 writes that we can rely on the opinion of the Shulchan Aruch and even recite a beracha in such a sukkah but it is preferable to remove some sechach in such a scenario (and if it is shabbat or yom tov to ask a non-Jew to do so for you. | |||
* Mishna Brurah 631:6 concludes that if there's no way to remove some [[S'chach]] one may rely on the lenient opinions. </ref> If one does remove some sechach, he does not need to shake the rest of the sechach in order of avoid taaseh vilo min haasuy.<ref> Chazon Ovadia Sukkot pg. 37, Shaar Hatziyun 631:5, Eliya Rabba 631:4, Mateh Ephraim 626:17 </ref> | |||
# If one made the [[S'chach]] very thin so that there's patches of empty space it's fit only if (1) there's no area of empty space larger than 3 [[Tefachim]] and (2) there is a majority of shade and minority of sunlight (counting the entire area of the [[S'chach]]). Even if it's an acceptable [[Sukkah]], nonetheless, if there's a patch of 7x7 [[Tefachim]] which has more sunlight than shade one may not sit in that area. <ref>Shulchan Aruch 631:2 and 4 rules that if altogether there's a majority of shade and minority of sunlight and there's no open space of 3 [[Tefachim]] it's fit. Rama 631:2 adds that some are strict if there's an area of 7x7 [[Tefachim]] which has more sunlight than shade. The Aruch HaShulchan 631:5 and Mishna Brurah 631:4 writes that in such an area one may not sit. Mishna Brurah adds that if there's such a patch that breaks up one of the walls so that there's only 2 walls left then it puts the whole [[sukkah]] into question. </ref> | # If one made the [[S'chach]] very thin so that there's patches of empty space it's fit only if (1) there's no area of empty space larger than 3 [[Tefachim]] and (2) there is a majority of shade and minority of sunlight (counting the entire area of the [[S'chach]]). Even if it's an acceptable [[Sukkah]], nonetheless, if there's a patch of 7x7 [[Tefachim]] which has more sunlight than shade one may not sit in that area. <ref>Shulchan Aruch 631:2 and 4 rules that if altogether there's a majority of shade and minority of sunlight and there's no open space of 3 [[Tefachim]] it's fit. Rama 631:2 adds that some are strict if there's an area of 7x7 [[Tefachim]] which has more sunlight than shade. The Aruch HaShulchan 631:5 and Mishna Brurah 631:4 writes that in such an area one may not sit. Mishna Brurah adds that if there's such a patch that breaks up one of the walls so that there's only 2 walls left then it puts the whole [[sukkah]] into question. </ref> | ||
==Invalid Schach and Airspaces== | ==Invalid Schach and Airspaces== | ||
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* Lastly, the Baal HaMeor ([[Sukkah]] 10a) holds like the rabbanan and we shouldn’t be concerned with either reason above. | * Lastly, the Baal HaMeor ([[Sukkah]] 10a) holds like the rabbanan and we shouldn’t be concerned with either reason above. | ||
* Even according to the first group of rishonim there are two limitations. The Ran writes that it is permitted to place [[schach]] on top of stone walls because no one uses stones for [[schach]] and no one will make a mistake to think that it is kosher. Additionally, the Ramban writes that placing [[schach]] on top of poles on top of a bed is permitted since the bed is acting as a ground for the [[sukkah]] and isn’t directly supporting the [[schach]]. | * Even according to the first group of rishonim there are two limitations. The Ran writes that it is permitted to place [[schach]] on top of stone walls because no one uses stones for [[schach]] and no one will make a mistake to think that it is kosher. Additionally, the Ramban writes that placing [[schach]] on top of poles on top of a bed is permitted since the bed is acting as a ground for the [[sukkah]] and isn’t directly supporting the [[schach]]. | ||
* What’s the halacha? Since | * What’s the halacha? Since Shulchan Aruch O.C. 630:13 holds like the Rosh, it would seem to be clear that is permitted to use items that are susceptible to tumah to hold up the [[schach]]. However, Shulchan Aruch O.C. 629:7 has a doubt whether it is permitted to place a ladder on top of [[schach]]. The Magen Avraham 629:9 suggests an explanation in which he forbids using a ladder that is susceptible to tumah lechatchila and would only permit it after the fact. Mishna Brurah 630:59 writes that it is permitted, but it is proper to be concerned for the opinions who are strict. </ref> According to most leading authorities, however, it's permissible to place [[S'chach]] on top of a material that's fit for [[S'chach]] which is in turn held up by something that's unfit for [[S'chach]]. Therefore, if one has a metal frame one should place wooden planks on the frame and then [[S'chach]] on top of it.<ref>Mishna Brurah 629:26, BeYitzchak Yikra (Rav Nevinsal) on that Mishna Brurah quoting Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach, Rav Ovadia Yosef (Yabia Omer 10:46 and Chazon Ovadyah Sukkot pg 44), and Or Letzion 4:24:8 are lenient unlike the Chazon Ish 143:2-3. [http://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/764662/Rabbi_Hershel_Schachter/%D7%A2%D7%A0%D7%99%D7%99%D7%A0%D7%99_%D7%99%D7%95%D7%94%D7%9B'%D7%A4_%D7%95%D7%A1%D7%95%D7%9B%D7%95%D7%AA Rav Hershel Schachter] (62:30-66:15) also seems to be lenient. See Chelkat Yaakov 3:127, Minchat Shlomo 2:55, and Moadim U'zmanim 1:82. | ||
* The Magen Avraham 629:9 permits using metal nails to support the poles of the [[sukkah]] since they don’t directly support the [[schach]]. For example, the Bikkurei Yacov 629:15 writes that it is permitted to place [[schach]] on top of wooden poles on top of walls which are susceptible to impurity. The Chazon Ish (O.C. 143:2) argues since we can’t distinguish between different layers of [[schach]] and simply state the top layer of kosher [[schach]] is supported by another layer that is in turn supported by an item that is susceptible to tumah. Rav Schachter (“Inyonei [[Sukkah]]”, min 44-6, 62-4) noted that although the Chazon Ish’s argument is reasonable, the minhag follows the Magen Avraham and allows placing [[schach]] on top of planks on top of a metal frame.</ref> After the fact, if the [[schach]] was placed directly on metal, it is kosher. <ref> Mishna Brurah 629:22 and 630:58 </ref> | * The Magen Avraham 629:9 permits using metal nails to support the poles of the [[sukkah]] since they don’t directly support the [[schach]]. For example, the Bikkurei Yacov 629:15 writes that it is permitted to place [[schach]] on top of wooden poles on top of walls which are susceptible to impurity. The Chazon Ish (O.C. 143:2) argues since we can’t distinguish between different layers of [[schach]] and simply state the top layer of kosher [[schach]] is supported by another layer that is in turn supported by an item that is susceptible to tumah. Rav Schachter (“Inyonei [[Sukkah]]”, min 44-6, 62-4) noted that although the Chazon Ish’s argument is reasonable, the minhag follows the Magen Avraham and allows placing [[schach]] on top of planks on top of a metal frame.</ref> After the fact, if the [[schach]] was placed directly on metal, it is kosher.<ref> Mishna Brurah 629:22 and 630:58 </ref> | ||
# One should ideally avoid [[tying]] the [[schach]] down with a material that would not serve as kosher [[schach]] if the [[schach]] would be unable to withstand regular wind independently.<ref> Be’tzel Ha’Chochma 5:44</ref> However, many poskim | # One should ideally avoid [[tying]] the [[schach]] down with a material that would not serve as kosher [[schach]] if the [[schach]] would be unable to withstand regular wind independently.<ref> Be’tzel Ha’Chochma 5:44</ref> However, many poskim permit in all circumstances to tie down [[schach]] with material that is only invalid as [[schach]] mi’derabanan, such as natural twine.<ref>Rav Vosner cited in the Beit Levi Cheilek 4, pg. 23, Chazon Ovadia p. 30, Or Letzion 4:24:9, and [https://www.yutorah.org/sidebar/lecture.cfm/972040/rabbi-hershel-schachter/inyonei-succos-5781/ Rav Schachter]. Rav Ovadia Yosef (Chazon Ovadia p. 24-5) writes that it is permitted to use a material that is only rabbinically invalid in order to hold up the [[schach]] since the entire issue of maamid is only a gezerah, so the rabbis would never have instituted a gezerah l’gezerah. This is based on the opinion of the Ritva ([[Sukkah]] 11b). Rav Schachter (“Inyonei Sukkah”, min 44-6, 62-4) agreed, though he questioned it because this seems to fall into the category of a double d'rabbanan and not a gezerah l’gezerah. This is reiterated in [https://www.yutorah.org/sidebar/lecture.cfm/972040/rabbi-hershel-schachter/inyonei-succos-5781/ another shiur ("Inyonei Succos 5781" min 22-28)].</ref> | ||
# One shouldn't use [[schach]] with a foul odor or whose leaves are falling off because there is a | #Using zip-ties to tie down the schach so that they don't blow away is a problem if otherwise the schach would blow away in a normal wind. After the fact, the sukkah is still acceptable, though it should be avoided. If the schach is secure enough that it'll stay for a normal wind then using the zip-ties is totally fine since it is only adding extra security to avoid uncommon winds.<ref> | ||
[https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/818822/rabbi-aryeh-lebowitz/ten-minute-halacha-holding-the-schach-down-with-zipties/ Rav Aryeh Lebowitz] explains that the only issue of zip ties is maamid since it enables the schach to be held in place and not blow away. The entire issue of maamid is rabbinic and initially an issue but not after the fact. If the schach would be able to withstand normal winds then you can add the zip ties to add security so it doesn't blow off in an uncommon wind (ruach sheino metzuya). [https://www.star-k.org/articles/articles/seasonal/431/guide-to-star-k-certified-schach/ Star-K] and [https://oukosher.org/blog/consumer-news/ou-kosher-experts-answer-sukkot-questons-sukkah-schach-eating-sukkah/ OU] come to the same conclusion.</ref> | |||
# One shouldn't use [[schach]] with a foul odor or whose leaves are falling off because there is a concern that the person may come to leave his [[sukkah]] because of the smell or the leaves falling on him.<ref> Rambam ([[Sukkah]] 5:1), Shulchan Aruch O.C. 629:14, Chazon Ovadia pg. 30, Magen Avraham 629:15, Kaf Hachaim 639:81 </ref> After the fact, it is valid.<ref>Rambam ([[Sukkah]] 5:1)</ref> | |||
==Sukkah Built Underneath a Tree or House== | ==Sukkah Built Underneath a Tree or House== | ||
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# One may hang lights from the [[S'chach]] even if they hang below 4 [[Tefachim]] from the [[S'chach]]. <ref>Chaye Adam 146, Mishna Brurah 627:15, Nitei Gavriel ([[Sukkot]] 26:4)</ref> | # One may hang lights from the [[S'chach]] even if they hang below 4 [[Tefachim]] from the [[S'chach]]. <ref>Chaye Adam 146, Mishna Brurah 627:15, Nitei Gavriel ([[Sukkot]] 26:4)</ref> | ||
==S'chach | ==S'chach Moved Due to Inclement Weather== | ||
# If a strong wind blew the [[schach]] higher than 3 [[Tefachim]] above the [[sukkah]] and then fell back down, even though since it happened automatically it wasn't put down for the sake of shade, the [[sukkah]] is kosher since it was originally placed in a kosher manner. <ref> Sh"t [[Shevet Halevi]] 10:100 </ref> | # If a strong wind blew the [[schach]] higher than 3 [[Tefachim]] above the [[sukkah]] and then fell back down, even though since it happened automatically it wasn't put down for the sake of shade, the [[sukkah]] is kosher since it was originally placed in a kosher manner. <ref> Sh"t [[Shevet Halevi]] 10:100 </ref> | ||
# If snow falls and solidifies on top the [[schach]] | # If snow falls and solidifies on top the [[schach]] the sukkah is still kosher and one can recite a bracha of leshev basukkah.<ref> Sh"t Ginat Veradim 4:7, Shaarei Teshuva 626:1, Moed Likol Chai 21:20, Bikkurei Yaakov 626:7, Yalkut Yosef Moadim page 125 and Chazon Ovadia [[Sukkot]] page 37. Aruch Hashulchan 629:2 however only permits saying a beracha if the [[schach]] is still greater than the snow. </ref> | ||
==Positioning of the S'chach== | ==Positioning of the S'chach== | ||
# If the [[schach]] of the [[sukkah]] was placed on a slant, the [[sukkah]] is still kosher. <ref> Shulchan Aruch 631:10 </ref> | # If the [[schach]] of the [[sukkah]] was placed on a slant, the [[sukkah]] is still kosher. <ref> Shulchan Aruch 631:10 </ref> | ||
==Links== | |||
* [http://www.hebrewbooks.org/55400 Yalkut Yosef Hilchot Sukkah (Hebrew 5776)] | |||
* [http://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/841753/rabbi-zvi-sobolofsky/pasul-s-chach/ Pasul Schach] by Rabbi Zvi Sobolofsky | |||
==Sources== | ==Sources== | ||
{{Reflist|30em}}} | |||
[[Category:Holidays]] | [[Category:Holidays]] | ||
[[Category:Sukkot]] | [[Category:Sukkot]] | ||
