Reprinted from the Chabad Chodesh
Building the Sukkah
It’s a Mitzvah to build the Sukkah right after Yom Kippur; when you have an opportunity to perform a Mitzvah, don’t let it wait. It’s a Mitzvah to make your Sukkah yourself.
Build it completely under the open sky, not under overhanging tree branches, awnings, etc. Make the walls strong enough that the wind won’t shake them. Chabad custom is to make four complete walls. Canvas walls should be tied down firmly to prevent them from moving (if they do, the Sukkah may not be kosher). Build the walls first, THEN place the S’chach. If you make the roof first and then set up the walls underneath, the Sukkah’s not kosher.
The S’chach must have grown from the ground, be detached and be something that can’t become Tameh (impure). Use enough S’chach to have more shade than sun. S’chach dries out and becomes thinner; Make sure to use enough. You can add more during Chol HaMoed. Minhag Chabad is to use a lot of S’chach.
Chabad custom is not to decorate the Sukkah.
You can build a Sukkah during Chol Hamoed.
It’s forbidden to use the materials of the Sukkah (walls or roof) until after Simchas Torah. When the Sukkah is dismantled and put away after Sukkos, be careful not to step on its parts, or treat them in a degrading way: they’ve been used for a Mitzvah.
The Four Types (Arba Minim)
Lulav, Esrog, Hadasim and Aravos
This is a short basic guide to purchase and use of the four Minim. They all constitute one Mitzvah, if any of the four aren’t kosher, you didn’t fulfill the Mitzvah. Buy them from a reliable dealer a G-D fearing person.
The Torah calls the Esrog “Pri Etz Hadar”, beautiful in appearance and growth. All four Minim are written in the same Pasuk, so all four should be beautiful in appearance and first choice in quality. Generally, the first thing to check is that top f each is intact and not broken off.
Selecting A Lulav
The minimum size for a Lulav is four Tefachim (at least 13 inches, not counting the leaves extending above the spine itself). It should be fresh, green, and perfectly straight, without any bend or curve in any direction. The leaves shouldn’t be separated from each other, but packed tightly together. The top double leaf shouldn’t be split or separated. Minhag Chabad is not to have “Kneplach” (a bent tip). When checking the top leaf, follow the spine up with your finger and don’t separate the leaves.
The Hadasim
The three branches of Hadasim (myrtle) must be minimally three Tefachim (at least 9.6 inches), not counting the top leaves. They should be fresh and green without any dryness or withering. The top of the branch should be whole and even the top leaves should be whole. The top three leaves, especially, should be fresh and green.
The Hadas grows as a woven network of leaves. It has three leaves growing near each other in a circle, no one leaf lower than the others (this is called Mishulash). Many myrtle branches grow with two leaves on the same level and a third above or below. This isn’t a woven network but an unacceptable wild Hadas.
All three branches should be Mishulash the entire required length, or at least a majority of it. If a Hadas was Mishulash and a leaf fell off of each level, (leaving only two leaves on each level), it’s still kosher.
The Aravos
The two branches of Aravos must be minimumally three Tefachim (at least 9.6 inches) not counting the top leaves. The leaves should be long, the edges of the leaves smooth, and the twig red. The top of the twig and top leaf should be intact. All leaves should be fresh, without dryness or wrinkles. All leaves within the full Shiur of three Tefachim should be present, each leaf whole. If the Aravos are too long, you may cut them. Be careful to cut from the BOTTOM of the branch. If most leaves of the Aravah fell off within its Shiur of three Tefachim, the Aravah is Pasul.
The Esrog
The Esrog should be free of marks, especially the upper portion. The cleaner an Esrog the more Mehudar. It should have many bumps and not be smooth as a lemon. Its stem should be recessed, the Esrog growing around the stem, rather than the stem growing above the surface. Being round like a ball takes away from its beauty. The stem and Pitum should be on the axis; it shouldn’t be curved or bent. An Esrog which grew without a Pitum is kosher, an Esrog whose Pitum fell off isn’t.
Minhag Chabad is to use “Yanover” (Genovese/Italian) Esrogim (they’re grown in Calabria, and called “Yanover” since they’re sent from the port of Genoa.)
“... (The Alter Rebbe said) “When Hashem said to Moshe, “Take for yourself a Pri Etz Hadar ”, they put messengers on a cloud and sent them to bring Esrogim from Calabria (Italy)”. [Sefer Haminhagim, p. 65]
The Shiurim are those of R. Avraham Chaim Noeh. Try to have all the Minim BIGGER than their minimum Shiurim.
Preparing The Lulav
We use one Esrog, one Lulav, at least three Hadasim and two Aravos. Some add more Hadasim. [In 5752, the Rebbe said to add at least three more Hadasim, as a Hidur Mitzvah].
We use 5 rings. The Chabad Minhag is to bind the Lulav, Hadasim and Aravos with rings made from a Lulav, and not use a holder. Bind the Hadasim and Aravos to the Lulav with three rings. All three rings should be together within one Tefach (a handbreadth: about three inches). When binding the Hadasim and Aravos, be careful not to detach any leaves. Make sure the Hadasim and Aravos are right side up, the top of the branch towards the top of the Lulav.
Put the other two rings on the Lulav itself, covered by the Hadasim and Aravos (even the top ring, at least somewhat).
Take the Lulav with the spine facing you, place one Hadas and Aravah on the right side, one Hadas and Aravah on the left and one Hadas in the center (leaning slightly to the right). Place the Aravos behind the Hadasim not too conspicuously.
It’s a custom to prepare the Lulav in the Sukah on Erev Yom Tov. It’s best to prepare your own Lulav personally.
Parents should train their children to do the Mitzvah of Lulav (and Na’anuim at Hallel) and if possible, try to buy them a Kosher Lulav and Esrog.
The Sukkah
The Mitzvah to dwell in the Sukkah is unique: it’s the only Mitzvah, which wholly encompasses a person, from the top of his hat to the soles of his shoes.
In the Sukkah you’re Halachically required to reflect on the Sukkah’s meaning: It says “Dwell in Sukkos seven days that your generations know that I had Bnei Yisroel dwell in Sukkahs when I took them out of Eretz Mitzrayim.” [Vayikra 23:42-43] These Sukkahs were the “Clouds of Glory” which surrounded and shaded them from the scorching sun. HaShem commanded us to make Sukkos for shade, to remember His miracles. When sitting in the Sukkah, have in mind to fulfill the Mitzvah of HaShem to commemorate Yitzias Mitzrayim: the awareness is part of the Mitzvah.
We eat, drink and live in the Sukkah all seven days and nights. Generally, consider the Sukkah as your house; whatever you’d normally do in your house, do in the Sukkah. Chabad custom is not to sleep in the Sukkah.
The Sukkah should be kept neat and clean.
Leisheiv Basukkah
We say “Leisheiv Basukkah” only when we eat a minimum of two ounces of bread, cake or foods, which are Mezonos.
If you forget “Leisheiv Basukkah” before eating, say it when you remember, even if you finished the meal. (Just sit a few more minutes in the Sukkah).
If you leave the Sukkah without having in mind to return within an hour or two, you must say the Brachah before you eat again (even if you return immediately). If you go to another Sukkah, say “Leisheiv Basukkah” again.
Even though only bread or cake must be eaten in the Sukkah, Chabad custom is to eat and drink (even water) only in the Sukkah, throughout Sukkos and Shemini Atzeres. Even small children should be taught to eat in the Sukkah.
Z’man Simchoseinu
Chasidus explains that “rejoicings” refers to “Yisroel rejoices in their Maker” [Tehillim, 149:2] and “HaShem rejoices in His works” [Tehillim, 104:31].
Since Sukkos is “Season of our Rejoicings” not “Season of Yisroel rejoicing in their Maker” or “HaShem rejoices in His works”, both rejoicings are united together every moment of Sukkos.
Erev Sukkos
Wednesday, Tishrei 14, September 18
It’s customary to give Tzedakah generously on Erev Sukkos. We should see to it that all are provided with the necessities of Yom Tov.
Check your Eruv before Sukkos. If your Sukkah is on shared property, be certain you have an “Eruv Chatzeiros”.
Eruv Tavshilin
Since the second day of Yom Tov will be on Friday. We make an Eruv Tavshilin on Erev Yom Tov to enable us to prepare food on Friday for Shabbos:
Take Challah [at least a “Kibeya” (2 oz.)], and a food [at least a “Kizayis” (1 oz.)] fish or meat; say the Brachah, “Al Mitzvas Eruv”, and the statement, “BiDein”, (see Siddur) in a language you understand.
The Challah and food must remain until Shabbos. The custom in to use the Challah for Lechem Mishneh of the first two Shabbos meals and we eat the Challah and food during Shabbos. Food prepared on Friday for Shabbos must be cooked before candle lighting.
In the late afternoon don’t eat a meal, so you’ll eat the meal in the Sukah at night with a good appetite.
Men go to the Mikveh Erev Yom Tov.
First Night Of Sukkos
Wedneseday, Tishrei 15, September 18
Women and girls light the candles in the Sukkah. It’s important to put the candles in a safe place . At Candle Lighting we say: Lihadlik Ner Shel Yom Tov and Shehechiyanu.
Prepare the table so that as soon as you come home from Shul you can say Kiddush in the Sukkah without delay.
Minhag Chabad is not to say the invitation for the Ushpizin.
We say Kiddush for Yom Tov aloud followed by “Leisheiv Basukkah” and “Shehechiyanu.” Wash and make Hamotzi immediately after Kiddush. (It’s best to wash near the Sukkah.)
To fulfill the Mitzvah of eating in the Sukkah the first two nights, men must eat at least 1 ounce of Challah in the Sukkah (even if it’s raining). This must be done after nightfall, even if you brought Yom Tov in earlier. (Women aren’t obligated to sit in the Sukkah, but many have the custom to do so.)
We dip Challah in honey three times. We use honey on Yom Tov and Hoshana Rabah (some use honey on Chol Hamoed too). We put salt on the table; many dip Challah in salt during the meal.
If you forget Yaaleh V'yavoh in Birchas Hamazon on Yom Tov (night or day) repeat it. If you remember in the middle of Birchas Hamazon , see Siddur.
“...On the first night of Sukkos the Rebbe Rashab would sit in the Sukkah and learn all night.” (Sichah 5694)
Ushpizin
The Zohar says seven guests, Avraham, Yitzchak, Yaakov, Moshe, Aharon, Yosef and Dovid, grace every Sukkah. They are our Seven Shepherds; each day they visit every Sukkah. Each day has a main guest (first day Avraham, second day Yitzchak, etc.), whom the others accompany.
The previous Lubavitcher Rebbe explained that there are also the Chassidic Ushpizin, the Baal Shem Tov, Mezritcher Maggid, Alter Rebbe, Mitteler Rebbe, Tzemach Tzedek, Rebbe MaHaRaSh, and the Rebbe RaShaB.
The first day, the Guest is Avraham, the Chassidic Guest is the Baal Shem Tov. The second day, the main guest is Yitzchak; the Chassidic Guest is the Mezeritcher Maggid. Each night of Sukkos, the Rebbe, would explain the connection between the Ushpizin of the Zohar and those of Chassidus to that day of Sukkos. From each Guest we learn a lesson in serving HaShem the entire year. You can find this in “Sichos in English.”
As we know, every night of Sukkos sees the arrival of the seven ushpizin. Both the ushpizin of the Zohar, and the Chassidic ushpizin that were revealed by our Rebbe. And as is known that this was in a (literal) manner so that "he would indicate with his finger" that here sat the Baal Shem Tov, and here sat the Maggid, etc. The reason for the past tense usage of "sat" is because they told of this after it happened. But as we are now sitting here on the first night of Sukkos, it is obvious that the ushpizin are presently here. (From a sicha of the first night of Sukkos, 5752)
Besides these spiritual guests, we should invite many physical guests to the Sukkah, especially people who are needy, or don’t have a Sukkah.
First Day Sukkos
Thursday, Tishrei 15, September 19
Rise early to do the Mitzvah of Lulav and Esrog, especially the first time. Men don’t eat until they Bentch Lulav. We Bentch Lulav daily, except Shabbos. It’s preferable to do it in the Sukkah. The first time, we add “Shehechiyanu”.
On the first day, by Torah law, (and the second day by Rabbinic law), the four Minim must belong to you. If you borrow a Lulav and Esrog, the lender should say (or have in mind) he’s giving it as a temporary gift.
Hold the Lulav in your right hand, the spine facing you. Remove any rings from your fingers.
Say the Brachah “Al Netilas Lulav”, then pick up the Esrog in your left hand, stem downwards. (The first time you say it say “Shehechiyanu”.)
Bring your hands together so the Lulav and Esrog touch. (If you’re left-handed, hold the Lulav in your left hand and pick up the Esrog in your right.) Make sure there’s no separation between your hands and the Lulav and Esrog.
Naanuim (Shaking of the Lulav)
Shake eighteen times, 3 times in six directions.
Here’s how:
Face east.
Extend your arms to the right (southeast) and shake the Lulav slightly.
Bring the Lulav and Esrog back to your heart, extend them out and back another two times. Shake the Lulav slightly when you stretch out your arms.
Do this, extending and returning:
3 times to the left (northeast),
3 times forward (east),
3 times up,
3 times down (Lulav stem down)
3 times back (west).
Keep facing east and not the direction you’re shaking.
Make sure the Lulav doesn’t touch anything as you shake it so you don’t damage it.
The Gemara explains: “We wave them back and forth to He Who is Master of the four directions, up and down, to He Who is Master of heaven and earth . . . back and forth to restrain harmful winds, up and down to restrain harmful dews.”
Hallel
During Hallel hold the Lulav in the right hand (left for lefties). Before the Naanuim, take the Esrog and hold them together. Do the Naanuim while saying:
- Hodu LaShem Ki Tov . . .
- Ana HaShem Hoshia Na
- Ana HaShem Hoshia Na
- Hodu LaShem Ki Tov . . . (first one only)
The first and fourth Pesukim have six words, (and HaShem’s name). For each word, (except HaShem’s name) shake the Lulav three times in one direction according to pattern. The second and third Pesukim have three words, (and HaShem’s name). For each word, (exept HaShem’s name) shake the Lulav three times in each of two directions according to pattern.
If you said the Brachah on the Lulav after the Amidah, make only three series of movements in Hallel, omitting the one at the repetition of Ana HaShem Hoshia Na.
Hoshanos
After Hallel we say Hoshanos. The Chazan says them aloud from “Samech” or “Ayin”. We circle the Bimah in a full circle, holding the Lulav and Esrog in both hands so they touch. (A mourner doesn’t circle). Since the first day was Shabbos we say Hoshanos for two days but circle only for the second day.
In the Beis Hamikdash, each day of Sukkos, they circled the altar once, carrying Lulavim, saying “Please, HaShem, save us. Please, HaShem, grant us success.” [Tehillim 118:25] On the seventh day they circled seven times. We circle the Bimah each day to commemorate the Beis Hamikdash.
At Kiddush by day (see Siddur), say “Leisheiv Basukkah” after Kiddush.
We’re obligated to rejoice on Yom Tov. We eat meat; men drink an extra cup of wine, besides Kiddush.
No preparations may be made for the Second Day before candle-lighting time
Second Night Sukkos
Thursday, Tishrei 16, September 20
Candle lighting is in the Sukkah, from a pre-existing flame. Say: L'hadlik Ner Shel Yom Tov and Shechechiyanu.
We must eat at least a kazayis (1 ounce) of bread in the Sukkah.
Simchas Beis Hashoevah
“ . . . Though it’s a Mitzvah to rejoice on all the festivals, there was additional celebration in the Temple on the festival of Sukkos . . . On the eve of the first day the festival, they set up a place in the Temple for women [to watch] from above, and men from below, so they wouldn’t intermingle with each other.
The celebration would begin the night after the first day of the festival. Similarly, on each day of Chol Hamoed, after offering the daily afternoon sacrifice, they would begin to celebrate for the rest of the day and throughout the night.
“The flute would be sounded and songs played on the harp, lute, and cymbals . . . Each person would play the instrument he knew. Those who could sing would sing. They would dance and clap their hands, letting loose and whistling, each in the manner he knew. They would say words of song and praise.
It’s a great mitzvah to increase this Simchah. The common people would not perform [in these celebrations]; only the greatest of Israel’s wise men: the Roshei Yeshivos, heads of the Sanhedrin, the pious, the elders, and the men of great deeds, performed. It was they who would dance, clap their hands, sing and rejoice in the Temple on the days of the festival of Sukkos. However, the entire people, the men and the women, would come to see and hear.” [Rambam Hilchos Shofar, Sukkah V'lulav, 8:12-14]
“Whoever didn’t see Simchas Beis Hashoevah has never seen rejoicing in his life! . . . There were golden menorahs . . . There wasn’t a courtyard in Jerusalem that wasn’t illuminated with the light of Beis Hashoevah.
The pious and men of good deeds would dance before them with torches of fire in their hands and recite songs of praise. The Levites would play the harps, lutes, cymbals, and all other types of instruments on the steps . . . leading down from the Israelites’ courtyard.” [Mishnah Sukkah, 5:1-2]
"...The custom of the Rebbe the Tzemach Tzedek was that after Maariv of the second night, he would begin to arrange Fabrengens with nigunim and dancing. He would dance so hard that even the young men couldn't keep up with him." [Sefer Hasichos, 5703, p. 10]
Our disadvantage becomes our advantage: the complete joy of the Simchas Beis Hashoevah, with the flute, and all the instruments began Motzei Yom Tov of the first day since the flute wasn’t played on Yom Tov. Today, when the Simchas Beis Hashoevah isn’t like in the Beis Hamikdash, with the flute, etc., we can and must begin Simchas Beis Hashoevah immediately on the first night of Sukkos.
Moreover, our disadvantage becomes our advantage, in the participation of all Jews. Since it doesn’t have the stature it had in the Beis Hamikdash, everybody can and must participate. Not only through seeing and hearing, but also with actual Simchah and dancing, every single Jew and even children. [Maayanei Hayeshua, p. 44]
Second Day Sukkos
Friday, Tishrei 16, September 20
Don’t’ say Shehechiyanu on the Lulav.
Before Minchah we say Posach Eliyahu, and Yedid Nefesh (but not Hodu), since it’s Erev Shabbos.
We bentch licht for Shabbos from a pre-existing flame, we need to remember to light on time since it is Shabbos. The Brochah is Lehadlik Ner Shel Shabbos Kodesh.
Light Shabbos candles in the Sukkah, in a safe place: they’re muktzah. If a family lights many candles and they are afraid it may be dangerous in the Sukkah, before sunset someone who did not bench licht may take most of the candles into the house. However, at least two candles should be left burning in the Sukkah.
Shabbos Chol Hamoed
Tishrei 17, September 21
Kabolas Shabbos stars with Mizmor L’Dovid. In the last stanza of Lecha Dodi say B’Simchah. Say the regular Shabbos Amidah with Ya’aleh Viyavo. If you forget it repeat the Amidah. (see Siddur)
Say Shalom Aleichem and Eishes Chayil quietly before Kiddush. Say Leishev Basukah after Kiddush.
We don’t Bentch Lulov on Shabbos. The Lulav and Esrog are Muktzah. No Hoshanos in Shachris. Musaf of Shalosh Regalim with Shabbos inserts.
Say Kiddush quietly until Boreh Pri HaGofen.
Remember to use the food of the Eruv Tavshilin.
On Motzei Shabbos don't say Vehi Noam. We say V’Yitein Lecha quietly.
Havdalah is said in the Sukkah with Leisheiv Basukah.
Chol Hamoed
We change Aravos and Hadasim for fresh ones during Chol Hamoed. Make sure they remain kosher; they can be changed more than once.
We don’t wear Tefillin. We Daven the weekday Amidah, with Yaaleh V'yavoh. We say Hallel and Hoshanos, followed by Kriyas HaTorah.
In the Beis Hamikdash, different Korbonos were brought every day of Sukkos for a total of seventy. Thus, each day’s Musaf has a different insert; follow the Siddur carefully.
We’re obligated to rejoice on Chol Hamoed. We eat meat; men drink an extra cup of wine.
If you forget Yaaleh V'yavoh in Birchas Hamazon, don’t repeat it. If you remember before the fourth Brachah, see Siddur.
Sewing, laundering (except baby clothes), haircuts and nail cutting are forbidden.
During Sukkos it's appropriate to increase our efforts to reach out to Jews, even those in distant places and share with them the Mitzvos and happiness of Sukkos (Sukkah, Lulav and Estrog, and Simchas Beis Hasho'eivah). [Tishrei 13, 5752]