This is the commandment for us to live in the Succah during Succot, but what exactly does it mean to “live” in the Succah? We all know of the requirement to eat in the Succah and many make the effort to sleep out there was well, but is that all it entails?
The Hebrew word used here is “לשבת” which literally means to sit but also has the connotation of setting up a permanent residence. Many lessons can be learned from the events of the Avot based on whether the word “לשבת” (to dwell; set up a permanent residence) or “לגור” (to sojourn; set up a temporary residence) is used. Here we use the former clearly indicating that the Succah should be more than simply a place we go for meals and bed time, rather it should be the place we are primarily, just like the home we live in.
So what exactly does that entail? Just about anything you can think of that normally you’d do in your house, do it in your Succah instead. Want to do some learning? Learn out in the Succah. Want to play a game with your family? Play out in the Succah. Want to have a friendly chat with a neighbor? Sit out in the Succah. For years now I’ve even been bringing my laptop with me out into the Succah. All of the things you do as part of everyday life, do it in the Succah if you can. Chazal tells us we should even bring our nice dishes out to the Succah; don’t think that you should bring out anything less just because you’re outdoors. If you would normally eat on fancy china inside, bring it out to the Succah as well.
This is what it really means to live in the Succah. It shouldn’t be a place you just pop into for a snack on occasion or somewhere you go to sleep, but it should really become the place you live for those seven days, as much as is possible. Obviously adverse weather conditions are a valid reason to stay indoors, but here in Eretz Yisrael that’s hardly a problem and there’s little reason not to spend most of your day under the protection of the Succah’s canopy.
Chag Sameach!
Am Chacham V'navon 