Sukkah

In what circumstances? When the lower one has more shade than sun, and the upper one more sun than shade,1 and both are within twenty cubits [from the ground].2 ‘And sometimes the upper one is valid and the lower invalid’. In what circumstances? When in both of them the shade is more than the sun, and the upper one is within twenty cubits.3 [But is not all this] self-evident? — The statement of the case of the ‘lower one valid and the upper one invalid’ was necessary. As it might have been thought that [the lower sukkah] would be prohibited as a preventive measure lest one also joins4 an invalid covering5 to a valid covering,6 therefore it teaches us [that it is valid].7 How much [space] should there be between [the roof of] one sukkah and that of the other to invalidate the lower one?8 R. Huna replied, A handbreadth,9 since we find a handbreadth [prescribed as the minimum size] with regard to overshadowing in cases10 of uncleanliness, as we have learnt.11 [A space of] one handbreadth square and one handbreadth high12 acts as a carrier of uncleanliness and as an interposition to it,13 but if it is less than one handbreadth high it neither conveys nor interposes.14 R. Hisda and Rabbah son of R. Huna [however,] say, Four [handbreadths], since we do not find a place of any [legal] importance15 to be less than four [handbreadths];16 while Samuel says, Ten [handbreadths]. What is the reason of Samuel? — As its validity, so is its invalidity. Just as its validity [is effected by a height of] ten handbreadths,17 so is its invalidity [effected by] ten handbreadths.18 We have learnt: R. JUDAH SAID, IF THERE ARE NO OCCUPANTS IN THE UPPER ONE, THE LOWER ONE IS VALID. Now what is the meaning of ‘THERE ARE NO OCCUPANTS’? If we say, actual occupants, are then occupants [it could be objected] a determining factor?19 Must [we then] not [say] that ‘THERE ARE NO OCCUPANTS means that the Sukkah is unsuitable for occupation? And how is this possible? Where it is less than ten handbreadths high. May we not, therefore, infer that the first Tanna20 holds the opinion that even if it is unsuitable for occupation it is still invalid?21 — When R. Dimi, came,22 he said, In the West23 they say,24 if the lower one cannot bear the weight of25 the bolsters and the cushions of the upper one, the lower one is valid.26 This implies [does it not] that the first Tanna27 holds the opinion that even if the lower one is not able to bear their weight, it is still invalid?28 -The difference between them29 is30 where it can bear the weight with difficulty.31 MISHNAH. IF ONE SPREAD A SHEET32 OVER IT33 BECAUSE OF THE SUN OR BENEATH IT BECAUSE OF FALLING [LEAVES], OR IF HE SPREAD [A SHEET] OVER THE FRAME OF A FOURPOST BED,34 [THE SUKKAH] IS INVALID.35 ONE MAY SPREAD IT, HOWEVER, OVER THE FRAME OF A TWO-POST BED.36 GEMARA. R. Hisda stated, [Our Mishnah] speaks only [of a sheet spread] BECAUSE OF FALLING [LEAVES],37 but if [it was spread] in order to beautify [the Sukkah], it is valid.38 But is not this obvious! For have we not learnt, BECAUSE OF FALLING [LEAVES]?One might have said that the law is the same even [where the sheet served the purpose] of beautifying [the Sukkah] and that the reason why it was stated, BECAUSE OF FALLING [LEAVES], is that he mentions what is the common practice, therefore he informs us this.39 Can we say that the following supports [R. Hisda's view]: If he covered it40 according to the rule, and adorned it with embroidered hangings and sheets, and hung therein nuts, almonds, peaches, pomegranates, bunches of grapes, wreaths of ears of corn, [phials of] wine, oil or fine flour, it is forbidden to make use of them41 Sukkah roofs above twenty cubits height are invalid) would be deemed to be joined to the roof of the lower Sukkah and to render it invalid in consequence. Sukkah under a Sukkah. ‘roof’ or ‘tent’ above it. in that whatever lies above the ‘roof’ is not defiled. regarded as forming an upper Sukkah above the lower one. can bear the prescribed weight so also, on the principle, ‘As its validity so is its invalidity’ laid down by Samuel, it cannot cause the invalidity of the lower Sukkah unless the latter's roof which is its floor can bear the prescribed weight. Where the upper one, however, is less than ten handbreadths high even the first Tanna agrees that it cannot affect the validity of the lower one, in agreement with Samuel. question of height depends on the same principle, may it not be contended that he differs from Samuel as regards the height also? cannot bear the weight at all, the first Tanna on Samuel's principle, agrees with R. Judah. of a tent. cannot be regarded as a valid tent (v. Gemara infra).