Answer:
The Mishna (Sukka 2:9) teaches us that if it rains enough to ruin one’s food
then one may leave their sukka. While the Mishna writes that it is a bad
sign if one has to leave due to rain, the Aruch Hashulchan (OC 639:20) writes
that this specifically applies in Eretz Yisrael, but not in places where it is
likely to rain. The Rema (OC 639:7) and Aruch Hashulchan write that one who
stays in the sukka when they’re exempt is considered to be unrefined
(See Teshuvos Vehanhagos 2:304).
Nonetheless,
the Rema (OC 639:5) writes that this halacha doesn’t apply on the first
night, as if it is raining then, one must still make kiddush and eat a kezayis
of bread in the sukka. According to the Mateh Ephraim (625:51), one
should ideally eat a kebeitza.
While one who
is mitztaer (uncomfortable) is usually exempt from eating in the sukka,
the Mishna Berura (639:35) explains that according to the Rema, this exemption
doesn’t apply on the first night. Then, one is obligated to eat in the sukka
even if they are somewhat uncomfortable, just like matza on seder
night. As there are those who disagree with the Rema and hold that one who
is mitztaer is exempt even on the first night, they shouldn’t recite leishev
basukka so long as it is raining. One should, therefore, wait until the
rain stops to fulfil this mitzva properly according to both views.
While the Magen
Avraham (OC 639:15) writes that one should wait until chatzos for the rain
to clear up if necessary, the Mishna Berura quotes the Shaarei Teshuva who
writes that this is unnecessary, especially as having to wait so long can ruin
one’s simchas Yom Tov. Rather, one should wait an hour or so, depending
on whether one has young children or guests, etc.
The Magen
Avraham writes that if it is raining on the second night, one can start the
meal inside their house without having to wait for the rain to clear. One
should eat a kezayis of bread in the sukka at the end of their
meal, however. If it has stopped raining by then, then one should say the beracha,
leishev basukka (See Shaar Hatziyun 639:73).
In conclusion,
if it is raining on the first night of Sukkos, one should wait before starting
their meal. How long they wait will depend on their circumstances, though they shouldn’t
wait so long that it will ruin their simchas Yom Tov. When it is too
late to wait any longer, they should recite kiddush and eat a kezayis
of bread in the sukka without saying leishev, before closing
the roof or going inside to continue the meal. If it does stop raining before chatzos,
one should go back into the sukka to eat another kezayis of bread
and say leishev, washing again if necessary.
If it rains
throughout any other meal over sukkos then one should close the roof or
go inside.
No comments:
Post a Comment