117

To dwell in a Sukkah for the seven days of Sukkot

The Luchos - Ten Commandments
מִצְוָה עֲשֵׂה - Positive Commandment
מִצְוָה לֹא תַעֲשֶׂה - Negative Commandment
Holidays – חֲגִים

Dwell in the Sukkah for all seven days of Sukkot.

This mitzvah commands Jews to dwell in a sukkah during the seven days of Sukkot. Dwelling means eating, drinking, and spending significant time in the sukkah, treating it as one’s primary home. The sukkah recalls the booths in which the Israelites lived after leaving Egypt or, according to another tradition, the Clouds of Glory that surrounded and protected them in the wilderness. By sitting in the sukkah, Jews demonstrate gratitude for Hashem’s protection and reaffirm trust in His shelter.

Commentary & Classical Explanation:

  • Rambam (Hilchot Sukkah 6:5): Dwelling in the sukkah includes eating, sleeping, and living in it as one does in a permanent home.
  • Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 325): The root is to remember Hashem’s kindness in protecting Israel in the wilderness, teaching humility and dependence on His providence.
  • Talmud (Sukkah 11b): Debates whether the sukkot were actual huts or the Clouds of Glory, both reflecting Hashem’s sheltering care.
(Source: Chabad.org)
בַּסֻּכֹּ֥ת תֵּשְׁב֖וּ שִׁבְעַ֣ת יָמִ֑ים כׇּל־הָֽאֶזְרָח֙ בְּיִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל יֵשְׁב֖וּ בַּסֻּכֹּֽת׃ - פָּרָשַׁת אֱמוֹר
Leviticus 23:42 - "For a seven day period you shall live in booths. Every resident among the Israelites shall live in booths,"

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Holidays - חַגִּים

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Mitzvot related to the Jewish festivals — their observance, rituals, prohibitions, and spiritual significance. This includes Torah-commanded holidays like Pesach, Shavuot, and Sukkot, as well as rabbinic celebrations such as Purim and Chanukah.

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Holiness - קְדֻשָּׁה

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Represents the concept of  spiritual intentionality, purity, and sanctity—set apart for a higher purpose.

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