עברית
Holidays
On the Blessing for Dwelling in the Sukkah
Question
Shalom, gmar chatimah tovah,
1. Where can one learn the 13 Middot (attributes) the Torah demands?
And where can one learn the explanation of Parshat HaKetoret?
2. On what is one required to say the blessing "leishev basukkah" when intending to eat? Does this also apply to drinking?
Answer
Shalom and blessings,
This is recited daily in Shacharit before "Hodu L'Hashem Ki Tov".
In prayerbooks (siddurim) containing explanations, one can learn all the Middot thoroughly.
2. Responsa Yechaveh Da’at Part I, Siman 65
In summary: One who eats a fixed meal of bread measuring more than an egg's volume, approximately fifty-five grams or more, is obligated in the sukkah and recites the blessing "leishev basukkah." (It is preferable to eat sixty grams or more to be able to recite the blessing with certainty.) However, if one eats bread less than the size of an egg, he is exempt from the sukkah obligation. One who eats cakes exceeding an egg's volume is required to eat in the sukkah but does not recite "leishev basukkah" unless he eats from them in a manner that establishes his meal upon them, that is, eating the quantity of four eggs or more (see Kaf HaChaim, siman 168, se'if mem hei). Then he is required to wash hands, recite the blessing of Hamotzi and Birkat Hamazon, and additionally say the blessing "leishev basukkah." The same applies to one who eats a fixed meal consisting of cooked products from the five grains, such as noodles, which require sukkah and the blessing "leishev basukkah." If the quantity does not establish a meal, anyone eating more than an egg's volume is obligated in sukkah but should not recite the blessing; less than an egg, he is exempt from sukkah. Eating rice, meat, fish, eggs, cheese, and other types of farinaceous foods, even as a fixed meal, exempts one from sukkah. Likewise, eating fruit, even as a fixed meal, exempts one from sukkah. Drinking tea, coffee, milk, or fruit juice exempts one from sukkah. Likewise, drinking Havdalah wine, even more than a revi'it, exempts one from sukkah. Even if one establishes his meal on the wine, he is exempt from sukkah. In any case, if one is exempt from sukkah but wishes to be stringent and eat or drink in the sukkah, this is commendable, provided he does not recite the blessing "leishev basukkah," to avoid a possible blessing in vain.
Best of success,
Binyamin Shmueli
