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Materials to use for S'chach: Difference between revisions
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→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> 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> | # 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> | ||
# Some poskim (Star-K) recommend using monofilament nylon strings to hold the bamboo together.<ref>[https://www.star-k.org/articles/articles/seasonal/428/undercover-the-halachos-of-schach/#footnotes Star-K]</ref> | |||
# Other poskim (Badatz Edah Charedit) recommend using strips of natural material to hold the bamboo together.<ref>[https://sukkatrachamim.com/products/luxury-bamboo-mat?srsltid=AfmBOorkAwLZb8MwjRrELXeNXuHEcxtDS5d0EXYTOUfurqNY0gy2z4r2 Badatz Edah Charedit]</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, 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> | # 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 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. | # 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. | * 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. | * 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. | * 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> | * 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== | ||
[[Image:Sukkah horizontal split.png|frame|100px|area beneath invalid schach is valid<ref>The invalid schach invalidates the entire area above the invalid schach. However, the area below is valid as long as there are 3 walls surrounding 7x7 tefachim of valid schach (Mishna Brurah 632:14-5).</ref>]] | [[Image:Sukkah horizontal split.png|frame|100px|area beneath invalid schach is valid<ref>The invalid schach invalidates the entire area above the invalid schach. However, the area below is valid as long as there are 3 walls surrounding 7x7 tefachim of valid schach (Mishna Brurah 632:14-5).</ref>]] | ||
[[Image:Sukkah vertical split.png|frame|100px|invalid<ref>This sukkah is invalid because the invalid schach in the middle splits the sukkah in two. Therefore, each half only has 2 walls which is insufficient (Mishna Brurah 632:2).</ref>]] | [[Image:Sukkah vertical split.png|frame|100px|invalid<ref>This sukkah is invalid because the invalid schach in the middle splits the sukkah in two. Therefore, each half only has 2 walls which is insufficient (Mishna Brurah 632:2).</ref>]] | ||
# If there are less than 3 [[tefachim]] of invalid [[schach]] in middle of the [[sukkah]], the [[sukkah]] is valid and one may sit underneath that invalid [[schach]]. If there are between 3 and 4 [[tefachim]] of invalid [[schach]], the [[sukkah]] is valid, but one shouldn’t sit underneath that [[schach]].<ref> S”A 632:1, Rama 632:2, Mishna Brurah 632:3</ref> | # If there are less than 3 [[tefachim]] of invalid [[schach]] in middle of the [[sukkah]], the [[sukkah]] is valid and one may sit underneath that invalid [[schach]]. If there are between 3 and 4 [[tefachim]] of invalid [[schach]], the [[sukkah]] is valid, but one shouldn’t sit underneath that [[schach]].<ref> S”A 632:1, Rama 632:2, Mishna Brurah 632:3</ref> | ||
# 3 [[tefachim]] of airspace or 4 [[tefachim]] of invalid [[schach]] may invalidate the [[sukkah]] (see pictures on side). Anything less will not. <ref> | # 3 [[tefachim]] of airspace or 4 [[tefachim]] of invalid [[schach]] may invalidate the [[sukkah]] (see pictures on side). Anything less will not.<ref> Shulchan Aruch and Rama O.C. 632:2 </ref> | ||
# One can’t sit underneath an airspace the size of one’s head or body <ref> While the Rama 632:2 writes “rosho ve’rubo” the Mishna Brurah 632:12 quotes the Ran and Ritva who hold either “rosho” or “rubo.”</ref> even if it is less than 3 [[tefachim]]. Also, one can’t sit underneath an airspace that goes across the entire length of the [[sukkah]] even if it is less than 3 [[tefachim]]. <ref> S”A 632:2, Mishna Brurah 632:12</ref> | # One can’t sit underneath an airspace the size of one’s head or body<ref> While the Rama 632:2 writes “rosho ve’rubo” the Mishna Brurah 632:12 quotes the Ran and Ritva who hold either “rosho” or “rubo.”</ref> even if it is less than 3 [[tefachim]]. Also, one can’t sit underneath an airspace that goes across the entire length of the [[sukkah]] even if it is less than 3 [[tefachim]].<ref> S”A 632:2, Mishna Brurah 632:12</ref> | ||
# If there is an airspace of 3 [[tefachim]] along a wall of the [[sukkah]] that wall isn’t considered part of the [[sukkah]]. If less than two and a half walls remain, the [[sukkah]] is invalid.<ref> S”A 632:2, Biur Halacha 632 s.v. avir </ref> | # If there is an airspace of 3 [[tefachim]] along a wall of the [[sukkah]] that wall isn’t considered part of the [[sukkah]]. If less than two and a half walls remain, the [[sukkah]] is invalid.<ref> S”A 632:2, Biur Halacha 632 s.v. avir </ref> | ||
