עברית
Holidays
Is It Permissible to Invite a Non-Jew into a Sukkah?
Question
Hello, esteemed Rabbi. In my home, we are diligent about eating in the sukkah at all times. I wanted to ask that when I invite my friends over to eat, and one of my friends is not Jewish, is she allowed to enter the sukkah? Thank you very much.
Answer
Greetings,
Indeed, it is brought in the texts that one should not bring a non-Jew into the sukkah; however, this is not a prohibition, but rather a matter to be careful about as much as possible. Therefore, if you have no choice, you may invite your non-Jewish friend for the sake of peaceful relations.
Sources: In the book Shiftei Cohen (by Rabbi Mordechai Cohen, a student of the Beit Yosef and the Mabit) on the Torah (in Parashat Emor, at the mention of the Zohar), it is warned not to bring a non-Jew into the sukkah. This is cited in Beit David (Section 596) and in Moadim Lechol Chai (Section 20, paragraph 26) and in Kaf HaChaim (Section 674, paragraph 6). However, it is clear that this is not a prohibition, but it is preferable to be cautious about it. Likewise, see Chazon Ovadia on Sukkot (page 229, note 22), where it is indeed proper to avoid bringing a non-Jew into the sukkah. Thus, it is not a prohibition. I have also seen in the book Simchat Yisrael (page 280) which quotes Rabbi Shmuel Dvletski, that it is clear this is only a warning not to invite the non-Jew, but if the non-Jew comes by themselves or if you are compelled to invite them for the sake of peace, there is certainly no prohibition against sitting with them in the sukkah, as according to Talmudic law, there is no prohibition against bringing them into the sukkah, and therefore one should not refrain from fulfilling the mitzvah of sukkah whenever one is sitting in it.
With blessings,
Hillel Meirs
