Positive #35 - To Dwell in a Sukkah During Sukkot

In this episode, we learn positive mitzvah #35, which is to dwell in a sukkah during the holiday of Sukkot.

1. What is a sukkah?
   • It is a hut or a booth, with a minimum of three walls and a roof of sechach, made of branches. In the podcast, we discuss additional details. 
2. When is the holiday of Sukkot?
   • Beginning on the 15th day of Tishrei, lasting for seven days, through the end of the 21st day of Tishrei
   • There is an additional requirement to eat bread specifically in the sukkah on the first night of Sukkot. Outside of Israel, this additional requirement applies to the the second night, as well.
3. How is "to dwell" defined?
   • The sukkah should take the place of your primary residence for the week of Sukkot. Anything that one typically does in their home should be done in the sukkah.
   • This includes eating, drinking, spending time, lounging, reading, and sleeping, assuming it is safe and normal weather conditions.
4. Why do we have this mitzvah?
   • After the Exodus from Egypt, the Jewish people were in the desert for 40 years. 
   • During the journey, the Jewish people were exposed to the elements and the heat of the desert, which was extremely dangerous. However, God provided shade for us in the form of sukkot. We commemorate this through this mitzvah.