Are Women Obligated in Sukkah and the Four Species?

As Sukkot approaches, now is the perfect time to review some of the practical halachot of the holiday. Today, we look at two important questions: What is the reward for making an effort to purchase the Four Species, and what are the halachot for women regarding the Four Species and sitting in the sukkah?

Two halachot a day from Behalacha UveAggadah, based on the rulings of Maran Rabbi Ovadia Yosef, of blessed memory.

What Does Someone Who Makes an Effort to Buy the Four Species Merit, and Are Women Obligated in the Mitzvah?

The mitzvah of the Four Species consists of one etrog, one lulav, three hadassim, and two aravot. All four species are essential to the mitzvah. If even one is missing, the mitzvah has not been fulfilled.

Someone who makes an effort to purchase the Four Species merits righteous children who are Torah scholars and have a heart for Torah. They also merit a long life, a good livelihood, and great benefit for both soul and body. They and the members of their household are also spared from trouble and harsh decrees.

Women are exempt from the mitzvah of taking the Four Species. Those who wish to perform the mitzvah are deserving of blessing, but Sephardic women may not recite the blessing of “al netilat lulav,” as doing so would constitute taking Hashem’s name in vain.

Some Ashkenazic women have the custom of reciting the blessing when taking the Four Species. However, several Ashkenazic halachic authorities have written that it is preferable not to recite the blessing.

Do Women Receive Reward for Sitting in a Sukkah?

When should the blessing be recited? After washing one’s hands for the meal, while still standing, one recites “leishev basukkah.” One then sits down and recites “hamotzi.”

If someone began eating and forgot to recite “leishev basukkah,” they may still recite the blessing as long as they are still in the middle of the meal and are eating or drinking something. If they are no longer eating or drinking, they may not recite the blessing.

Someone who is unsure whether they recited “leishev basukkah” should not recite it again.

Women are exempt from the mitzvah of sukkah. Nevertheless, a woman who sits in the sukkah receives a reward for doing so.

Sephardic women may not recite the blessing of “leishev basukkah,” and according to this ruling, doing so would constitute taking Hashem’s name in vain. Some Ashkenazic women have the custom of reciting the blessing when sitting in the sukkah, although many leading Ashkenazic halachic authorities have written that it is preferable not to recite it.