Laws and Inspiration for Sukkot 5772

[Rabbi Aryeh Citron]

Parsha Halacha

Sponsored by Mr. Alex Gutt and family in memory of his father, Chaim ben Zwi, his grandfather, Zwi ben Chaim Gutt, and his grandmother, Elizabeth Leah bas Chaim, Yahrtzeit – 16^th of Tishrei

To sponsor an e-mail or to subscribe, please contact me at rabbi...@yeshivahcollege.org

Attached is a printable version of this article

Sukkot, Laws and Inspiration

In light of some feedback I received, I have divided the Laws and Customs into two sections. The first is a brief digest of these and the second has more details.

The laws and customs of the rest of the Holiday will come next week, G-d willing

I wish you all a Chag Same’ach and Good Yom Tov.

Aryeh Citron

All times are from Chabad.org and are correct for Miami Beach, Fl. For other locations, see below.

The page numbers are for the new Chabad Siddur

Table of Contents

1.      Laws and Customs at a Glance

2.      Inspiration

3.      Detailed Laws and Customs

 

1.      Laws and Customs at a Glance

Erev Sukkot

·         Bind the lulav

·         Do not have meal after 1:07 (certainly not after 3:58 pm)

·         Make an Eiruv Tavshillin (anytime during the day)

·         Take a haircut and cut nails (if needed)

·         Go to Mikvah (men)

·         Light candles at 6:38 pm or later. (One who lights after 6:55 must use a pre-existing flame) 

First Night of Sukkot

·         Make Kiddush, with Shehechiyanu last.

·         Men must eat in the Sukkah. If it is raining, they should eat at least 1 ounce of bread in the Sukkah.

First Day of Yom Tov

·         Shake lulav and etrog in the Sukkah before davening (if possible) after 7:18

·         Do not eat before shaking the lulav and etrog

·         Wave lulav etc. during Hallel and do Hoshanot while holding them

Second Night of Yom Tov

·         Light candles after 7:30 pm

·         Make Kiddush with Leishev BaSukkah last

Second Day of Yom Tov

·         Shake lulav and etrog as above, but no she’hechiyanu is said today

·         Cook in such way that food is ready by 6:55

·         Light candles at 6:37 p.m.

Shabbat Chol HaMoed

·         The mitzvah of lulav and etrog is not performed today 

·         Shabbat ends at 7:28 pm

 

2.      Inspiration

Names of the Holiday[1]

The Torah uses three names in reference to the holiday of Sukkot:

1)      Chag HaSukkot - the festival of booths

The word Sukkot is used in the plural to indicate that in the merit of sitting in the physical Sukkah, we will merit to experience the revelations of the Garden of Eden which are likened to Sukkot.[2]

2)      Chag Ha’Asif – the festival of ingathering

This was the season when the Jewish farmers would gather their harvest into the granary. Thus, the celebration is a thanksgiving to Hashem for our material success. This also alludes to the fact that during this holiday, we can gather all the prayers of the entire year that were not effective and bring them to the correct “destination.”

3)      Zeman Simchateinu – the time of our rejoicing.

We rejoice over the harvest and because we were forgiven for our sins on Yom Kippur. An additional reason for the rejoicing on Sukkot is that the Sukkah represents the Chupah for the Jewish people and Hashem. The Yichud (complete unity) takes place on Shmini Atzeret concerning which it says: I (the Jewish people) and the king (G-d Himself) are alone.[3]

Women on Sukkot

Since Jewish men and women represent Hashem and the Jewish people, women are an important part of this holiday. In the Temple era, they would erect a special balcony so that the women could watch. In addition, although the mitzvah of living in the Sukkah is only obligatory for men, it is a mitzvah for a husband and wife to enjoy the holiday together i.e., in the Sukkah.

The reason why women are not obligated in this mitzvah is that G-d – the chattan - is (so to speak) the one who is obligated to provide for the Jewish people – the kallah. So the obligation of the Sukkah (representing the marriage canopy) falls on the men while the women play a “supporting role.” 

How Many Walls?

The word סכּה alludes to the various ways to build a Sukkah that are kosher.

The ס represents a four wall Sukkah.

The כ represents a three wall Sukkah.

The ה represents a Sukkah that has two and a half walls.

Although these are all kosher, the letters are in order of preference. I.e., a four walled Sukkah is better than a three walled Sukkah which in turn is preferred over a two and a half wall. This is because the four walls represent the four wheels of the Divine Chariot.

 

3.      Detailed Laws and Customs

Sunday – Wed.

11th to 14th of Tishrei, Oct 9^th – 12^th  

The Four Days between Yom Kippur and Sukkot have special significance as they correspond to the 4 letters of G-d’s name.[4] In addition, the celebration of the consecration of the First Temple took place during these days.[5] As the verse says: “Now Solomon observed the Feast at that time and all Israel with him, a great assemblage … before the L-rd our G-d, seven days and seven days.[6]

The Sukkah[7]

Following are some laws regarding building a Sukkah. For more information, please go to: http://www.chabad.org/holidays/JewishNewYear/template_cdo/aid/420823/jewish/How-to-Build-a-Sukkah.htm

• A Sukkah can be kosher with 2 walls and part of a third wall. This is complicated and should not be done without Rabbinic consultation.
• The Chabad custom is to have a Sukkah with 4 proper walls.[8]
• The schach (foliage that covers the Sukkah) should be thick enough so that even if it dries it will still have more shade than sun.
• The Chabad custom is to use a large amount of Schach.
• The schach should be supported and held in place by wood or other material that is fit to be schach.
• The Sukkah should be open to the sky. If there are overhanging branches they should be cut away. If this is not practical, a rabbi should be consulted.
• If a gentile puts up the schach, a Jew should pick up and put back down at least one piece of schach (for the sake of the mitzvah of Sukkah). The same applies if one’s schach remains on one’s sukkah year round.
• It is not the Chabad custom to decorate the Sukkah.[9]

The Four Species[10]

• The lulav (palm branch) should be straight and preferably not split on the top.
• If the middle branch is split, it is still kosher provided that that the split doesn’t reach until the bottom of that branch.
• From the third day of Sukkot and on, if the top leaf of the lulav is split, it is completely kosher.[11]
• The hadas (myrtle) should have (at least a majority of) groups of three leaves.
• The etrog (citron) should be nice looking and should not have black spots on the top.
• If a majority of the leaves of an aravah fall off, it is not considered “kosher” for the mitzvah.
• If several of the leaves of the hadas fall off, it is still kosher as long as there are at least two leaves in a majority of the (original) leave clusters.
• As the aravot (willows) and hadasim dry easily, many people change them during Chol HaMoed.

Sizes[12]

The minimum sizes for the four species are as follows:

·         Lulav – 16 inches[13] or at least 13 inches.[14]

·         Hadas and aravah – 12 inches or at least 10 inches.

·         Etrog – the size of an egg.

• For more on the four species, click here:  http://www.chabad.org/holidays/JewishNewYear/template_cdo/aid/998913/jewish/The-Complete-Four-Kinds-Owners-Manual.htm

Erev Sukkot

Wed. 14^th of  Tishrei– Oct. 12^th

Preparing the Lulav

·         It is customary to prepare the Lulav on Erev Sukkot in the Sukkah.

·         If possible, one should prepare it oneself.[15]

•  One may not use more than two aravot (willow) but many have a custom of using more than three hadassim (myrtle). (The different numbers mentioned for this custom are: 4, 6, 12, 13, and 26.[16])
• One should place one hadas and arava on the right side, one hadas and arava on the left side, and one hadas in the center (leaning slightly toward the right.)
• The aravot should be placed behind the hadassim so as not to appear too conspicuous. (Siddur Pg. 240).
• One should tie all of the hadassim and aravot to the lulav using three rings made from lulav leaves (these can be taken from this or any other lulav). All of these rings should be placed within the space of one tefach (approx. 3.2 inches) and should be near the bottom of the lulav.
• Click here for a 30 second You Tube video on how to make a lulav ring: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mb3o1YVPJeo
• One should place an additional two rings on the lulav itself. These should be (at least) partially covered by the hadassim and aravot.
• These rings represent the three Patriarchs (the bottom three count for one, since they are all so close together).^[17]
• The center of the lulav is considered the spine of the lulav as long as there are branches branching off of it. When it becomes a single leaf, it’s no longer defined as the spine. Thus the hadassim and aravot should end at least 3.2 inches below the point where the last leaf branches off the center of the lulav.
• Some have the custom of using Keishelach (holders woven out of lulav leaves) to hold the hadassim and aravot.
• When using the Keishelach, one should put the hadassim on the right and the aravot on the left.[18] The top of all of the branches should be 3.2 inches below the top of the spine of the lulav.
• If one forgot to tie their hadassim and aravot to their lulav before Yom To, they may do so on Yom Tov as follows:
•  If one already has rings or keishelach prepared, one may tighten the rings to hold all of the branches to the lulav, but may not tie a knot with the end of the ring to hold it in place.
• If one does not have rings etc., one may attach the leaves to the lulav with rubber bands[19] or with loose lulav leaves. One may make a loop but not a knot.[20]

Customs of Erev Sukkot

·         Many men have a custom to use the Mikvah on this day.[21]

·         It is customary to give Tzedaka generously on this day[22] and to ensure that all those who are in need, have enough for the holiday.

·         In order to ensure that one has a good appetite for the mitzvah of eating in the Sukkah on the first night of Sukkot, one should not eat a full meal after midday (1:07 p.m.) on Wed. Erev Sukkot. If one didn’t get a chance to eat earlier, one may have a meal up until 3:58 p.m. After that time, one may eat snacks but should not eat not filling foods.[23]

·         One who needs to cut their hair or nails should do so before Yom Tov.[24] The reason the sages forbade the taking of haircuts on Chol HaMo’ed was in order to encourage people to take haircuts before Yom Tov.

·         One should light a 48 hour lamp in order to have a preexisting flame with which to light the Yom Tov candles on the second night and the Shabbat candles on Friday night.

Eiruv Tavshillin

As is the law whenever Yom Tov immediately precedes a Shabbat, one must make an Eiruv Tavshillin this year on Erev Sukkot in order to permit one to cook on Friday for Shabbat.

See page 6 - 8 in this article: http://www.yeshivahcollege.org/texts/Rosh%20Hashana%205772.pdf for more information.

One who forgot to make an Eiruv

If one forgot to make an eiruv (and he’s not covered by the Rabbi’s eiruv (see the article linked above), he may make one on Thursday – the first day of Yom Tov. He should set aside a challah and a cooked dish and say: “If today is Yom Tov then tomorrow is not, so I don’t need an Eiruv. If today is not Yom Tov then tomorrow is, so I’m hereby making this eiruv.” He should then proceed to the regular text of the bracha[25] and eiruv.

If one forgot to make an eiruv and did not realize until Thursday night or Friday, they should follow the rules below.[26]

First night of Sukkos

Wed. night, 15^th of Tishrei - Oct. 12^th 

Candle-lighting time is 6:38 p.m.
The candles should be lit in or visible from the Sukkah.
The following two Brachot should be recited:

·         Baruch…L’hadlik Ner Shel Yom Tov

·         Baruch…Shehechiyanu.

Kiddush (Siddur pg. 329)
On the first night the procedure for kiddush is as follows:

·         Borei Pri hagafen

·         Bracha of Kiddush for Yom Tov

·         Bracha of Leisheiv Ba’sukkah (to dwell in the Sukkah)

·         She’hechiyonu[27]

The Meal[28]

·         On the first two nights of Sukkot, it is mandatory for all men to eat at least one Kezayit (one ounce) of Challah (or bread) in the Sukkah.

·         If it is raining on the 1^st night of Sukkot, one may eat the meal inside, but should eat at least a kezayit of bread in the Sukkah.

o   Some say that one shouldn’t say the bracha of leshev BaSukkah if it is raining on the first night of Sukkot. In addition, some say that it is best to wait until midnight to see if the rain stops at which time one would be able to fulfill the mitzvah according to all opinions and say the bracha.[29]

·         If it raining on the second night, it is better to be strict and eat the size of a kezayit of bread in the Sukkah,[30] but if one wishes, one may be lenient and not do so.

o   This amount should be eaten after nightfall, even though one may usher the Yom Tov in before nightfall.

o   The challah of hamotzi should be dipped into honey.

o   One should use honey on the Yom Tov days of Sukkot as well as on Hoshana Rabba. On Chol Hamo’ed (the intermediate days), its use is optional.

In the Sukkah[31]

• On the first two nights of Sukkot, it is mandatory for all men to eat in the Sukkah as mentioned above.
• During the rest of the Holiday it is only mandatory to eat in the Sukkah if one is eating bread or other grain food in excess of 2 ounces (the size of an egg).
•  Some say that when eating other filling foods in a “meal - like manner,” e.g., chicken or potatoes for dinner, one must also eat them in the Sukkah.[32][33]
• Nevertheless, it is praiseworthy to only eat or drink (even water) in the Sukkah. Chabad custom is to be very particular about this. If one is drinking beverages in a “fixed” manner (e.g. drinking wine or beer with friends), one should do so in the Sukkah.
• One should only say the Bracha of Leshev Basukkah when eating bread or grain foods and even then, only when eating a minimum of 2 oz.
• Some say that one should only say the bracha on grain foods (besides bread) if eating them as a meal.[34]
• While eating in the Sukkah one should bear in mind that the Sukkah reminds us of the clouds of glory with which Hashem encompassed us as we left Egypt.[35]
• If one leaves the Sukkah with no intention of returning within an hour or two, one should say the Bracha of Leshev Basukkah again (if one eats the amount of food mentioned earlier), regardless of when one returns. The same applies if a person returns to the Sukkah after one or two hours (even if one previously intended to return), the Bracha should be recited again.
• If one goes from one Sukkah to another, the Bracha is recited again and again.
• If one forgot to say the Bracha of Leshev Ba-sukkah, and remembered during the course of a meal, the Bracha may be recited at that point, but one should remain in the Sukkah for a little while afterward.
• Although women are not obligated to eat in the Sukkah, if they wish to do so, they are fulfilling a mitzvah and may recite a bracha. Sefardic women should not make a bracha.
• One should not leave dirty pots or garbage bins in the Sukkah.
• It is best not to bring pots into the Sukkah at all.
• One should spend time in the Sukkah during as many activities as possible. For example: studying Torah, talking with a friend etc.
• It is a mitzvah to sleep in the Sukkah. Even a short nap should only be taken in the Sukkah. The Chabad custom is not to sleep in the Sukkah.  Click here: http://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/92423/jewish/Sukkos.htm  for an explanation of this custom.
• If it is raining to the point that it is uncomfortable to eat in the Sukkah, one may go inside to finish eating. Some Chassidim eat in the Sukkah even in the rain.
• A sick person is exempt from the mitzvah of Sukkah. Those that are helping him are also exempt as long as they are involved in doing so.[36]
• Children should be educated in this Mitzvah from the age of five or six approximately.

      The Ushpizin

·         According to the Zohar, there are seven special guests who visit our Sukkot. They are called Ushpizin (Aramaic for guests). These seven Tzadikim are: Avraham Avinu, Yitzchak Avinu , Yakov Avinu, Moshe Rabeinu, Aharon HaKohen, Yosef HaTzadik, & David HaMelech. The first night Avraham Avinu visits us accompanied by the others, the second night Yizchak Avinu visits us accompanied by the others etc.

·         Some have a custom of saying a special prayer inviting them in to the Sukkah. (This is not the Chabad custom.)

·         According to Chabad tradition, there are also Chassidic Ushpizin. These are the souls of the Holy Rebbes; The Ba’al Shem Tov, the Maggid of Mezritch, the Alter Rebbe, the Miteller Rebbe, The Tzemach Tzedek, The Rebbe Maharash, and The Rebbe Rashab.                                                                                            The Lubavitcher Rebbe would often explain the connection between these two sets of Ushpizin.

First day of Sukkos
 Thursday, 15^th of Tishrei - Oct. 13^th

Shaking the Lulav

·         It is proper not to eat or drink anything (besides water) before shaking the lulav during every morning of Sukkot.

·         It is best to shake the lulav, as soon as possible after sunrise (7:18 am), before davening - in the Sukkah. This is especially important on the first day.[37]

·         If one is beginning to daven before sunrise, one should say the bracha on the lulav after the Amidah, before hallel.

·         One who didn’t shake the lulav before davening should not walk out during the repetition of the Amidah to be able to shake the lulav in the Sukkah. He should rather make the bracha and shake the lulav in Shul.

See Siddur page 306 for the blessings and directions as to how to shake.

·         When making the bracha of al netilat lulav, one should hold the lulav and not the etrog. Then one should pick up the etrog, say the blessing of Shehechiyanu (on the first day) put them together and shake them.

·         One should hold the lulav in the right hand with the spine (green smooth part) facing themselves. The etrog should be held in the left hand.

·         A left handed person does the reverse. (A Sefardic leftie should use his right hand for the lulav and his left for the etrog.)

·         One should hold them in this way during Hallel and Hoshanot as well.

·         The Chassidic and Sefardic custom is to shake in the following manner:[38]

o   Face east, and shake three times to the right (south), each time bringing it back to one’s heart.

o   Three times to the left (north), each time bringing it back to one’s heart (chest).

o   Three times forward (east),

o   Three times up, each time bringing it back to one’s heart.

o   Three times down, each time bringing it back to one’s heart.

o   Turning to one’s right one should shake three times to the back (west), each time bringing it back to one’s heart.

o   Click here for a video of how to assemble and shake the lulav and etrog http://www.chabad.org/multimedia/media_cdo/aid/676117/jewish/The-Lulav.htm

 

o   The minhag Ashkenaz (non Chassidic custom) is to shake the lulav and etrog in the following manner;

o   Three times forward, three times to the right, three times (over the right shoulder) to the back, three times to the left, three times up, three times down.

o   As mentioned above, it is good to wake up early to do this Mitzvah, especially for the first time.

o   We shake the lulav during Hallel as well (see instructions on page 309 and 311of the Siddur). Following this we do Hoshanot (page 368, see below).

o   When lending someone one’s set of lulav and etrog on the first two days of Sukkot, one should say that the set is being given to them as a gift which is given on condition that it is returned. This is because one must own the lulav and etrog on those days in order to fulfill the mitzvah.

o   Women are not obligated in this mitzvah as it is a time bound positive mitzvah. If a woman wishes to do the mitzvah, she receives reward for doing so. She should make the brachot and shake as explained above.

o   Sefardic women should shake without a bracha.

o   A child who is old enough to shake the lulav and etrog properly should be trained to do this mitzvah.

o   If possible, one should buy a separate set for each (male) child that is old enough to do this mitzvah. If one is not able to do so, the children should make the bracha on their father’s lulav. One should not give it as a “gift” to the child on the first day as the father must own it on the second day as well and children are only able to acquire gifts but are unable (Halachicly) to give gifts. Thus if the child were given the lulav and etrog on the first day, he would be unable to “give the lulav back” to his father who needs to own it on the second day.

Hoshanot

·         Some do Hoshanot after Shacharit (Chabad, Nusach Sefard and Eidot HaMizrach), while some do it after Musaf (minhag Ashkenaz).

·         One should hold their lulav and etrog in their right and left hands respectively while saying Hoshanot (see above).

·         One Torah Scroll should be taken out and held by someone who doesn’t have a lulav and etrog set. He should stand at the Bimah for the duration of the Hoshanot.

Storage

If one is storing their lulav in water, they may return it to the water on Yom Tov. One may also add some water to the vase on Yom Tov, but should not change it completely. If one is storing the lulav in a wet towel, one should dampen the towel before Yom Tov but not on Yom Tov itself.

Lulav Campaign

The Lubavitcher Rebbe encouraged people to assist and encourage as many Jews as possible to fulfill the mitzvah of the lulav and etrog.

Second night of Sukkot
Thursday night, 16^th of Tishrei - Oct. 13^th   

Candle lighting is not before 7:30 and may only be lit from an existing flame.

Kiddush (Siddur Page 329)
The procedure of kiddush on the second night is as follows:

·         Borei Pri Hagafen

·         Bracha of Kiddush for Yom Tov

·         Bracha of Shehechiyonu

·         Bracha of Leisheiv BaSukkah (to dwell in the Sukkah)[39]

If it is raining on this night it is preferable to still eat in the Sukkah although not absolutely mandatory.

Second Day of Sukkos
Friday 16^th of Tishrei –  Oct. 14^th

When cooking on this Friday for Shabbat, one should ensure that all of the food is already cooked before Shabbat begins.

Shabbat Chol HaMo’ed

Friday night, 17^th of Tishrei – Oct. 14^th

Candle lighting time is: 6:37 pm and may only be lit from an existing flame.

The Kabbalat Shabbat davening begins with Mizmor LeDavid (Chabad custom). Some begin with Mizmor Shir LeYom HaShabbat (minhag Ashkenaz).

Shabbat Day Sep. 25^th- 17^th of Tishrei

·         We do not shake the lulav on this day. Nor do we say Hoshanot (according to Chabad custom).

·         Some say the Hoshanot on Shabbat (without the lulav etc.) but do not circle the bimah while doing so.[40]

·         It is preferable to use the challah from the eiruv tavshillin for lechem mishna on this Shabbat. It should be eaten for the third meal (or the second if one will not wash for the third).

·         The food from the eiruv may be eaten today as well.

Shabbat ends at 7:28
One should make Havdalah in the Sukkah. It is best to say the blessing of Leshev BaSukkah and then eat some cake or bread immediately afterwards.

Chol HaMo’ed (the intermediate days of Sukkot)

Sunday 18^th to 21^st of Tishrei – Oct. 16^th to 19^th  

During Chol HaMoed it is proper not to do work that does not relate to the needs of the Yom Tov. One who would lose their job by not going to work may go to work. Also one who would suffer a great financial loss may work to prevent this.
      Simple work may also be done.

·         The intermediate days of the Holiday should be utilized for extra prayer and Torah study.

·         One may not take haircuts or wash their clothes on Chol HaMo’ed.

·         One may wash the clothes of babies & small children who are constantly dirtying themselves.

·         It is customary for Ashkenazim not to cut their nails on Chol HaMo’ed. Sefardim are not strict regarding this.

·         If one cut their nails on the day before Yom Tov, they may cut them before the last days of Yom Tov if necessary.

·         Some types of work are permissible. As follows:

o   If the work is the equivalent of an amateur’s work.

o   If not working would cause a significant financial loss.

o   If the work is needed for Yom Tov.

o   According to most opinions, simple tasks like turning on a light or driving a car are not included in this prohibition.

o   If it’s not needed for Yom Tov, it is questionable whether one may write on Chol HaMo’ed. If one needs to write, it’s preferable to write on a slant.

o   One should consult with their rabbi about the details of these laws.

The laws of Hoshana Rabba – Shmini Atzeret will come next week with Hashem’s help.

     

Miami Beach

Times from Chabad.org

Wednesday, Oct. 12^th

                Midday (Do not have big meal after this time): 1:07 pm

Eve of First day Sukkot

Light Candles at: 6:38 pm 

Thursday, Second day of Sukkot, Oct. 13^th

Sunrise (earliest Lulav): 7:18 am

 Light Candles after: 7:30 pm 

Friday, Second Day of Sukkot, Oct. 14^th

                Sunrise (earliest Lulav): 7:19 am

Light Candles at: 6:37 pm 

Shabbat Chol HaMoed, Oct. 15^th  

Shabbat Ends: 7:28 pm 

 

 

Brooklyn, New York

Wednesday, Oct. 12^th

                Midday (Do not have big meal after this time): 12:42 pm

Eve of First day Sukkot

Light Candles at: 6:03 pm 

Thursday, Second day of Sukkot, Oct. 13^th

Sunrise (earliest Lulav): 7:05 am

 Light Candles after: 7:00 pm 

Friday, Second Day of Sukkot, Oct. 14^th

                Sunrise (earliest Lulav): 7:06 am

Light Candles at: 6:00 pm 

Shabbat Chol HaMoed, Oct. 15^th 

Shabbat Ends: 6:57 pm 

 

Los Angeles

Wednesday, Oct. 12^th

                Midday (Do not have big meal after this time): 12:39 pm

Eve of First day Sukkot

Light Candles at: 6:06 pm 

Thursday, Second day of Sukkot, Oct. 13^th

Sunrise (earliest Lulav): 6:57 am

 Light Candles after: 7:00 pm 

Friday, Second Day of Sukkot, Oct. 14^th

                Sunrise (earliest Lulav): 6:58 am

Light Candles at: 6:03 pm 

Shabbat Chol HaMoed, Oct. 15^th 

Shabbat Ends: 6:57 pm 

 

Jerusalem, Israel

Wednesday, Oct. 12^th

                Midday (Do not have big meal after this time): 11:26 pm

Eve of First day Sukkot

Light Candles at: 4:32 pm 

Thursday, Second day of Sukkot, Oct. 13^th

Sunrise (earliest Lulav): 5:41 am

Yom Tov ends: 5:47 pm

Friday, Erev Shabbat, Oct. 14^th

                Sunrise (earliest Lulav): 5:42 am

Light Candles at: 4:29 pm 

Shabbat Chol HaMoed, Oct. 15^th 

Shabbat Ends: 5:45 pm 

 

 

 

---

[1] Benei Yissachar,  Mamar Tzilah Demehemnutah

[2] Both represent an all-encompassing revelation that is beyond our normal capacity to comprehend.

[3] See Zohar, vol. 1, 64a

See also Benei Yissachar, who explains that the love of Hashem to the Jewish people expressed on Shmini Atzeret is one that is beyond any reason. This is similar to the love of Yonatan the son of King Saul to King David. As King David said: “Your love to me was more wondrous than the love of women” (Samuel Two, 1, 26). This means that this love was completely selfless because if David ascended to the throne, he would be displacing Yonatan who was the crown prince at that time (see Samuel One, 23, 17).

The power to love in this selfless way was something Yonatan inherited from his ancestor, Rachel who selflessly helped her sister Leah marry her own future husband – Yakov.

This can be read into the words נִפְלְאַתָה אַהֲבָתְךָ לִי, מֵאַהֲבַת נָשִׁים. This can be translated as: “Your love to me is wondrous, it comes from the love of women (i.e., the love of one women to each other – Rachel to Leah)

(in the name of the Rameh of Pano).

[4] See Sefer HaMinhagim Chabad in the name of the Baal Shem Tov

[5] Tanya Rabti, end of Hilchot Yom Kippur

[6] Kings One, 8, 65

[7] See O.C. and Shulchan Aruch HaRav 626 - 636

[8] Sefer HaMinhagim Chabad, see Rama O.C. 630, 5, See also above that the four walls allude to the four wheels of the Divine Chariot.

[9] Sefer HaMinhagim

[10] Shulchan Aruch HaRav, 645 - 650

[11] Ibid, 649, 19

[12] O.C. 650, Piskei Teshuvot

[13] Shiur Chazon Ish

[14] Shir HaGra”ch Na’eh

[15] Sefer HaMinhagim

[16] Ibid in the name of the Kol Bo

[17] Rama, 551, 1

[18] Shulchan Aruch HaRav, 551, 8

[19] Shulchan Aruch HaRav, 651, 3

[20] See Piskei Teshuvot 3 on ibid

[21] Mateh Efrayim, 625, 14

[22] Pri Etz Chayim, Sha’ar Chag HaSukkot, chapter 3 See Benei Yissachar, Mamar Tzila Dimehemnutah, 24 -  34 who gives several explanations for this custom

[23] Mateh Efrayim, 625, 7

[24] Ibid, 11

[25] Shulchan Aruch HaRav 527, 21, but see Mishna Berurah 527, 74

[26] He should give all the ingredients that are needed for cooking to a friend or neighbor who did make an Eiruv. That friend should pick them up (in order to acquire them) and then proceed to cook them for the one who didn’t make the eiruv. This may be done in the home of the one who forgot.

In this case, one may also cook on Friday morning for Shabbat by following these rules:

·         He must cook only one pot per dish that he is making.

·         He must eat (at least) a little bit from each pot on Yom Tov.

·         He may not say expressly that he is cooking for Shabbat.

These laws also apply to one who made an eiruv but it was then consumed as a result of his negligence before he cooked for Yom Tov. If only the bread was eaten, but (an olive’s size) of the cooked dish is still intact, one may proceed as normal. If the eiruv was consumed by mistake in a manner which was not negligent, one may rely on the eiruv of the rabbi.

[27] Shehechiyanu is last in the sequence to indicate that the Shehechiyanu is also referring to the mitzvah of Sukkah (O.C. 643).

[28] Shulchan Aruch HaRav 639

[29] Mishna Berurah

[30] In this case one should not say the bracha of Leshev BaSukkah (ibid, 19)

[31] Shulchan Aruch HaRav, 639 and 640

[32] Mishna Berurah, ibid, 15

[33] Ibid

[34] Ibid, 16

[35] O.C. 625

[36] Shulchan Aruch HaRav, 640, 7

[37] Sefer Haminhagim

[38] Siddur HaRav based on the writings of the Arizal

[39] Since one already said Shehechiyanu on the sukkah on the first night of Sukkot, one should say it immediately after the Kiddush as usual (Mishna Berurah, 661, 1).

[40] Ramah 660, 3