Kosher Sukkah Requirements:
The Essentials You Need to Know
As the joyous festival of Sukkot approaches, many Jewish families begin preparing their sukkah — the temporary dwelling that becomes a sacred space for meals, gatherings, and sometimes even sleep. But what makes a sukkah kosher?
Whether you're building a sukkah in your backyard, on your porch, or even on a balcony in Brooklyn, it's important to follow the halachic (Jewish legal) requirements to ensure your sukkah is valid. Here’s a practical guide to help you get it right.
1. Location: Stable and Under the Sky
The sukkah must be built under the open sky, with no overhangs like trees or roofs covering the schach.
📘 Source: Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim 626:1
It must be placed where it can remain stable for the entire duration of Sukkot.
2. Walls: At Least Two and a Partial Third
A kosher sukkah needs at least two complete walls and a third wall of at least a tefach (handbreadth).
📘 Source: Mishnah Sukkah 1:1; Shulchan Aruch O.C. 630:2
Walls can be made of any sturdy material – wood, fabric, or metal – as long as they do not flap in the wind (unless tied down securely).
📘 Source: Orach Chaim 630:10
At KosherSukkahShop.com, our sukkah walls are designed to meet halachic standards and are wind-resistant.
3. Size: Minimum and Maximum Dimensions
Minimum height: 10 tefachim (~32 inches / 80 cm)
Minimum width/length: Enough to fit a person and a small table (~28x28 inches)
📘 Source: Shulchan Aruch O.C. 633:1
Maximum height: 20 amot (~30 feet / 9.6 meters)
📘 Source: Mishnah Sukkah 1:1
4. Schach: Natural, Detached, and Kosher
The schach must be made of materials that grow from the ground, are detached, and have not been processed for other use (like furniture or tools).
📘 Source: Shulchan Aruch O.C. 629:1-3
It must be placed by a person, not by wind or accident, and provide more shade than sun inside the sukkah.
📘 Source: O.C. 631:1
💡 Our bamboo mats are made from kosher-certified natural material, pre-approved for halachic use, and ideal for sukkot in all sizes.
5. Timing: Ready Before the Holiday
The sukkah should be fully constructed before the festival begins.
It's customary to begin building immediately after Yom Kippur.
📘 Source: Rama on O.C. 625:1
Final Thoughts
A kosher sukkah isn't just a structure — it's a spiritual space that connects us to Jewish history and holiness. Whether you're DIY-ing or buying a pre-built kit, following these halachic principles ensures your Sukkot is both joyful and valid.
Ready to build your sukkah the right way?
Explore our full collection at KosherSukkahShop.com or contact us for guidance.