So, you've got a vision. Not just any Sukkah, but a three-sided pyramid of almost mystical proportions. A structure that would make the Egyptians jealous. But before you start drafting blueprints, let’s get down to the halachic nitty-gritty: Is your pyramid-Sukkah actually kosher?

The Rule of Three: How Many Walls Does a Sukkah Need?

The Talmud (Tractate Sukkah) lays down the law: A Sukkah needs a minimum of 2.5 walls. That means a simple two-walled lean-to won’t cut it. But what about a pyramid where three triangular walls meet at the top with just a tiny opening for Schach (the roof covering)?

Two main halachic concerns arise:

  1. Do Sukkah walls need to be vertical?

  2. How big does the Schach-covered area need to be?

Let's tackle these one by one.

Do Sukkah Walls Have to Be Straight?

Enter the principle of dofen akumah (bent wall). The Gemara discusses a case where non-kosher roofing material separates the walls from the Schach. Normally, there can’t be more than three tefachim (about 9-12 inches) between the wall and the Schach, or else the Sukkah is invalid. However, if there’s non-kosher material connecting the wall and the Schach, it can be considered as part of the wall itself.

What does this mean for your pyramid? If the slanted walls are steep enough, they might be considered “bent walls” rather than a proper roof. But here’s the kicker: you wouldn’t be able to sit under the sloped part of the walls – only directly under the Schach. So, unless you enjoy playing Sukkah musical chairs, this design isn’t ideal.

How Much Schach Do You Need?

According to the Gemara (Sukkah 2b), the smallest Sukkah must be large enough to fit a person’s head and most of their body. That means your Schach-covered area has to be at least 7x7 tefachim (about 2 feet by 2 feet) – about the size of a perfect pop-up Sukkah. 

Now, your pyramid idea suggests a tiny Schach opening – say, 9 square inches. Unless you’re a particularly compact individual, that’s just not going to work. You need a roof large enough to actually fulfill the mitzvah of dwelling in the Sukkah, not just a spiritual skylight.

Slanted Schach: Can Your Roof Be Wavy?

Let’s say you’re thinking, “Okay, maybe my pyramid isn’t happening, but what if I just want my Schach to be a little artsy – maybe a wavy bamboo mat aesthetic?”

Good question! The Mishnah (Sukkah 19b) discusses a Sukkah with slanted roofing, stating that if there is a discernible roof section, then even Rabbi Eliezer (who is normally strict) would agree that it’s kosher. The key factor is whether the Schach is distinguishable as a separate covering, not just a continuation of the walls.

So, a gently sloped Schach setup? Kosher. A full-on pyramid where the walls double as the roof? Not so much.

Can a Sukkah Have a Peaked Roof?

Maybe you’re considering one of those pop-up canopy Sukkahs, but you’re worried about the peak in the middle. Is Schach required to be completely level?

While the ideal Sukkah has a flat roof, the discussion of the “round Sukkah” in Sukkah 7b suggests that a structure doesn’t necessarily have to be boxy to be valid. As long as there’s an actual, distinct roof of kosher Schach – meaning it’s not just the walls merging into a point – your peaked Sukkah might still be okay.

Final Verdict: Should You Build a Pyramid Sukkah?

If you’re aiming for a three-sided pyramid with just a tiny Schach opening at the top, you’re going to run into problems:

  • The walls might be considered a roof rather than proper walls.

  • The Schach area needs to be large enough to fit most of a person’s body.

  • You’d have to sit directly under the Schach and not under the sloped walls.

So while it’s a creative idea, it’s not the most practical. If you’re dead set on a pyramid aesthetic, consider making four walls and ensuring a large, properly placed Schach covering.

Or, you know, just build a normal Sukkah. You’ll have enough to worry about without accidentally recreating an ancient architectural debate.

Now, go forth and build a Sukkah that’s kosher, comfortable, and (if you must) mildly geometric!