The Sukka

 Sukka Questions:

1. What is the main meaning of the word Sukka?
2. The covering of the Sukka is called Sechach. Why is it called this?
3. How many walls can a sukka have and what is a good way of remembering it?
4. What can be used for the sechach?
5. We sit in the Sukka – what does this represent?
6. What are we meant to think about when we are sitting in the Sukka?
7. There is a minimum size of the sukka. What is it and what is significance behind the different dimensions of the sukka?
8. We are meant to have guests in the Sukka. What is the significance of this, as the mitzva of hachnosas orchim, having guest, applies throughout the year?
9. What is the idea of Ushpizin?

Ideas for answers on the Sukka:

1. Rashi on Sukka in a few places explains that the name Sukka is called after the Sechach. This means that the sechach is the main part of the Sukka. Why?
2. The word Sechach is connected to the word Meisech that means a covering and is also connected to the word Yiska that means to see through. This is seen in Rashi (Noach, 11:29) where Soro is called Yiska. How can the sechach mean two opposites – covering and seeing? Perhaps it is the idea of a filter where both functions are true. It covers the badness and reveals the goodness.
3. The Vilna Gaon says that the different number of walls for a sukka is seen in the hebrew word for Sukka – סכ”ה. The samech has four sides, the chof has three sides and the hei has two a a bit sides. All these are seen in the word sukka alluding to the fact that they are all valid for the sukka.
5. There is an argument in the Gemora Sukka as to whether it represents the Ananei Kovoid or the booths that the Jews had when leaving Mitzrayim.
6. We are meant to think about the Ananei Kovoid that surrounded and protected the Jews like a sukka. Additionally, to remember the leaving of Mitzrayim.
7. The minimum width size is seven tefochim the size of a head and most of a body plus a table. The height must be ten tefochim.
9. See my article on the Ushpizin.