Sukkot is a time of joy, celebration, and... architectural challenges. Whether you're trying to build a Sukkah on a balcony that might be a little too covered or grappling with walls that don’t quite follow the “straight and narrow,” rest assured – you’re not alone. In this article, we’ll explore some common Sukkah-building dilemmas, along with a few solutions (or at least some entertaining thoughts) that might help you find your way to a kosher Sukkah.
The Overhead Balcony Conundrum
Let’s start with a question many apartment dwellers face: Can you build a Sukkah on a balcony that’s partially or fully covered by the roof above it? The short answer? Not really.
Under the Sky, Not Under a Roof
According to the halacha (Jewish law), a Sukkah must be under the open sky. If part of your Sukkah is covered by a roof (or even a foot of overhang), then that part of the Sukkah doesn't count. Imagine it like trying to hold a barbecue in a closed tent – you’re not really "outdoors" anymore. For those of us living in high-rise buildings with balcony spaces below other balconies, this can be a major problem.
Is It Still a Sukkah?
Well, if your balcony is only partially covered, and the part under the open sky has the right number of walls and kosher Schach (roof covering), you may still have a kosher Sukkah. But here’s the catch: you can only eat in the part that’s under the sky.
In the case of a fully covered balcony, though, you’ll need to get creative (or consult your local rabbi) because the Sukkah under a roof is about as kosher as an Etch-A-Sketch is an iPad. So, while your heart might be in the right place, that Sukkah under the overhang just won’t cut it, and isn’t kosher.
Wall of Confusion: Does a Covered Wall Count?
Now, what happens when you’ve got a foot of roof overhanging one of your Sukkah’s walls? Does that invalidate the whole wall, or is it just the part with the Schach?
The Crooked Wall Theory
The good news: your Sukkah might still be kosher! The concept of dofen akuma (crooked wall) comes to the rescue. Basically, if the overhang is only a small part of the wall, the wall still counts as valid – just pretend the wall extends up to where the Schach is supposed to be. This rule lets you “bend” the wall without losing its status, so as long as your Sukkah meets the minimum size requirements, it’s still good to go. It’s like using a little creative license in an art project – sure, the wall might be a little crooked, but it still gets the job done.
The Great Sukkah Dilemma: To Build or Not to Build?
What if you find yourself in a situation where you really, really want to build a Sukkah, but there’s no perfect spot available? For example, imagine a fully covered balcony that won’t work, but you don’t want to give up on the mitzvah entirely. Should you settle for a non-kosher Sukkah, or just skip it altogether?
A “Best Effort” Sukkah?
Some might argue that a Sukkah built with good intentions still holds value. After all, G-d appreciates the effort, right? But the reality is, a Sukkah needs to be under the open sky to be kosher, and while your best efforts are noble, they won’t make up for a roof that’s in the way. The consensus is simply that a Sukkah under a covered balcony, no matter how well-constructed, just isn’t a kosher Sukkah.
So What’s the Alternative?
If a Sukkah isn’t feasible on your balcony or apartment roof, what can you do? It might be time to think outside the box. Could you borrow a neighbor’s backyard (with their permission, of course)? Some people have even gone down the creative route of building a Sukkah in their garage or on the roof of a pickup truck. Yes, you read that right – a Sukkah on wheels. In fact, some have even used a refrigerator box for a Sukkah (just add on a little kosher Schach, cut a hole in for the door, and you’re good to go). A little unconventional, yes, but hey – it works!
If none of those options are viable, consider checking in with your synagogue. Chances are, there’s a Sukkah there that’s just waiting for you to enjoy it. While maybe not the most ideal option, using a communal Sukkah could at least let you fulfill the mitzvah and celebrate the holiday.
Making the Best of It
At the end of the day, Sukkot is all about celebrating the joy of dwelling in a temporary space, just as our ancestors did in the desert. But that doesn’t mean the process of building your Sukkah has to be too temporary – there are ways to make it work, even if it’s not perfect.
Whether you’re trying to work around a covered balcony or facing a “crooked” wall, remember: the goal is to make the most of the situation. Sure, you might not have the perfect Sukkah this year, but who knows? Maybe next year, you’ll have the opportunity to build that picture-perfect Sukkah – with no roofs, crooked walls, or limitations to get in the way.
Final Thoughts: A Sukkah Is What You Make of It
While there are definite halachic rules when it comes to Sukkah construction, don’t let the challenges get you down. And hey, if all else fails, there’s always the option to visit a neighbor’s Sukkah or borrow some space on a roof – just make sure they’re alright with your “innovative” Sukkah plans.
Happy building and chag sameach!