Build Sukka After Yom Kippur

Question: I heard that one is supposed to build their sukka on Motzaei Yom Kippur, but I don't always have the strength to do so after fasting. How important is it?

Answer: The Rema (OC 624:5; 625:1) writes that it is ideal to begin building one’s sukka immediately after Yom Kippur to transition from one mitzva to another. The Pri Megadim (Mishbetzos Zahav 624:3) and Mishna Berura (624:19) add that one should complete assembling it the following day.

The Kaf Hachaim (OC 625:11) emphasises the importance of building one’s sukka personally rather than delegating the task. As a minimum, one should place some sechach themselves.

The Pri Megadim (Eshel Avraham OC 625:1) discusses whether one who is unable to build the sukka immediately after Yom Kippur should appoint somebody else to do so on their behalf. On the one hand, it is always preferable to perform a mitzva at the first opportunity. On the other hand, it is better to carry out mitzvos personally rather than by appointing others to do so on their behalf. The Sdei Chemed (40:58) and R’ Shmuel Wosner (Shevet Halevi 4:66) write that in such scenarios, one should perform the mitzva oneself, even if it is not the ideal time.

The Aruch Hashulchan (OC 624:7) writes that if one cannot build their sukka on Motzaei Yom Kippur, they should learn the halachos of building a sukka during that time instead (see Kaf Hachaim OC 624:35).

However, the Shaarei Teshuva (625:1) argues that it is best to start building one’s sukka before Yom Kippur (see Avnei Yashpei 8:110:3).

In conclusion, one should make every effort to at least place some sechach on their sukka on Motzaei Yom Kippur. If that’s not possible, they should instead learn some of the halachos related to building a sukka.

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