1) Many exalted things have been written regarding the proper performance of and proper conduct in and around the Sukkah.
A few of the many examples:
Every moment that one sits in the Sukkah is an additional performance of the positive commandment to sit in the Sukkah and serves to purify and make the person holier. (See Kaf HaChaim Siman 639:12. See also Shu"t Minchas Shlomo Vol. 2 Siman 58. In Sefer Minhagei Chasam Sofer Chapter 8:12 it is stated that the Chasam Sofer barely left his Sukkah for the entire 7 days of Sukkos and only left each day for Shachris; he davened Mincha and Maariv in his Sukkah)
It is proper not to get angry in the Sukkah, and surely not to speak Lashon Hara or D'varim Betailim (idle chatter) in the Sukkah. (See Be'er Heitev Siman 639:2 and Kaf HaChaim Siman 639:5 and 6)
Due to the extreme holiness of the Sukkah, it is proper not to invite non-Jews to enter the Sukkah. (See Shach Al HaTorah Parshas Emor and Kaf HaChaim Siman 639:6)
2) One who is scrupulous with the observance of Sukkah in this world, will merit having Hashem seat him/her at the Sukkah of the Levyasan (Leviathan) in the world to come.
Moreover, when he/she passes from this world, the merit of performing the Mitzvah of Sukkah properly will protect him/her from the angels of destruction. (Malachei Chavala created by sin, which torment a sinner's soul after death) (Yalkut Shimoni Parshas Emor 653, quoted in Elef Hamagen Siman 626-644:23. See also Kaf HaChaim Siman 625:8 and Ba'al HaTurim Al HaTorah VaYikra 23:43)
One who is scrupulous in the performance of Sukkah (known as Sukkas Shalom), will merit a year of harmony in his/her home(Shalom Bayis). (See Kaf HaChaim Siman 625:10 quoting the Yafeh Lalev)
QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER
Reader Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers.
These Q&A are taken from the Q & A pages on the Halacha For Today website.
Although the answers I give to questions are taken directly from the Sifrei HaPoskim, and aren't my own, they are still for study purposes only, NOT for Psak Halacha.
Questions can be emailed to HalachaForToday@Gmail.com
Reader's Question:
Can you please elaborate on the halacha of not cutting down a fruit tree that's in your property, and what the reasons are for it, as well as the what consequences chas V'Shalom would take place if one did indeed do it?
Answer:
Well, it is a biblical prohibition of "Lo Tashchis" (Parshas Shoftim Perek 20 Pasuk 19) to cut don any fruit tree,regardless if you own it, a non jew owns it or even if noone owns it.
It is permitted to prune the branches of a fruit tree to enhance its growth.
It is also permissible to trim a few branches if they are on top of a Sukkah or for any other Mitzvah purpose.
As far as the consequences, the Gemara does indeed bring various stories where ill befell people who were not careful with the cutting down of fruit trees. ( See Bava kama 91b, Bava Basra 26a, Succah 29a for a few examples)
There are certain exceptions when it would be permissible to cut them down or to transplant them elsewhere, but even then it would be best to have a non Jew do it.
It is adviseble to seek the guidance of a Rav before relying on any leniencies in this matter.
(See also Shu"t Chasam Sofer Yoreh Deah Siman 101 and Shulchan Aruch HaRav, Shmiras HaGuf V'Hanefesh 15 and 16 for more about this)
CHIZUK CORNER
This section is dedicated L'Ilui Nishmas the late Telzer Rosh Yeshiva , HaRav Chaim Yaakov ben Rav Binyomin Moshe Stein Zatzal.
We will B'Ezras Hashem post here each day a short inspirational thought to help us all improve our lives and grow in our service of our Father in heaven, HaKadosh Baruch Hu.
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זכר צדיק וקדוש לברכה
Which of the 613 mitzvos is the most difficult to observe?
It is the mitzvah of being joyous on succos, because for 7 consecutive days a person must be in a state of constant joy.
Regardless of what might occur during these days that might make it difficult for a person to feel happy, the mitzvah to rejoice requres one to overcome all obstacles to joy.
Thus, it is the most difficult mitzvah to accomplish.
The Vilna Gaon Zatzal quoted in Sefer Torah Tavlin
Important Numbers
