Key Points In Halacha When Designing & Preparing Your Sukkah

Walls: The s’chach needs to be surrounded by a minimum of 3 walls. In some cases 2 walls, and part of a third will suffice. Where doors form part of the walls, a question should be asked as the requirements can vary based on the circumstances. In some cases, there are inadequate walls to render the Sukka kosher. A solution must be found to erect temporary walls for the duration of sukkos. This could be in the form of a small bookshelf, a rigid panel or possibly a curtain (conditions apply)

Dofen Akuma: This is 4 amos that is required as a maximum for the schach to “connect” to the walls. The smaller shiur of Rabbi AC Naeh z”l is generally accepted to be 1920mm (1880mm according to some). One cannot consider the area of ceiling to be part of the sukka

Schach Possul: This is 3 tefachim – which is 240mm using R’ AC Naeh. Where the s’chach is within 3 tefachim of a wall, the ceiling space can be utilised as part of the kosher sukka area.

Taaseh Vlo Min Ho’osui: Well known and frequently overlooked, the Sukkaroof must be OPEN when schach is put up. Any additional walls must likewise be installed prior to the schach.