Chavarah- Jewish Community Learning

A blog of Jewish study and traditions. Notes from classes: Torah Study with Rabbi Marder, Toledot and Shabbaton as well as other details found of interest.

IF you want to be part of our Chavarah email group let me know at carol@traditionsrenewed.com

Saturday, April 02, 2005

Is a PVC Pipe Sukkah "Kosher"?

Torah Study 4/2: Sukkot

The Torah tells us in Leviticus to build the Sukkah
The Mishna 1 (tractate Sukkah) tells us how to build it
The Talmud tells us PVC is ok for the frame but not the roof! (at least that would be where to find out)

The Mishna tells us that the roof must be mostly shady and made with things that grow from the ground... so branches, wood, leaves are all ok.

It says the structure needs to stay up for 7 days and should be built (or fixed up) specifically for the feast, so it has to be stable but not too stable. While it is a reminder that things are temporary it is also supposed to be the most joyous time at this feast, so the Sukkah should be comfortable and enjoyable to 'live' in. And you CAN go inside if it rains


PVC Pipe Sukkah Plan

Speaking of rain: The prayer for rain is part of Sukkot. And there were rituals where water was poured on the altar as a 'prayer for rain'. This is, after all, a holiday of the harvest and agriculture seasons.

The discussion continues telling us that this is the MOST joyous holiday that the whole community should celebrate... and the question to the diaspora community is why isn't Sukkot more popular than Hanukkah? (well unfortunately it is because of Christmas),

And it was pointed out that there IS a connection between Hanukkah and Sukkot - that the celebration of Hanukkah is a "Winter Sukkot" because at the time of the Macabees - there was war in the harvest season so they celebrated Sukkot late that year - it later became - Hanukkah.


NEXT WEEK: Justice and Being Fair... should be good.

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