Sukka: Cloth Walls

There is much discussion whether the Sukkas that consist of cloth walls (often on a metal “lego-type” frame) are kosher for the mitzva. This is because cloth walls are likely to flap in the wind (1) and, with minor exception, flapping walls are disqualified for the mitzva. (2) Indeed, it seems that the Shulchan Aruch explicitly opposes these types of Sukkas and rules that the walls of a Sukka must be solid.(3)

Nevertheless, there are different opinions as to what is defined as “flapping.” According to the most stringent opinion, even the slightest flap, the slightest movement, invalidates the Sukka. In other words, the walls must be solid and immovable without exception. (4) As such, according to this approach, only the familiar wood, or otherwise solid, Sukkas are kosher.(5)

While there are other views, the most lenient view, surprisingly that of the Chazon Ish, is that flapping walls are acceptable for the Sukka as long as the flap does not sway more than three tefachim. (6)

Nevertheless, one can use these cloth wall Sukkas in a way that will comply with the most stringent view in the following way: included with most cloth Sukkas nowadays are straps that are meant to surround the frame of the Sukka. Using these straps will render the Sukka kosher without question, as the straps are fastened tightly around the frame of the Sukka and don’t flap. I will also add, as can be seen in all such Sukkas that use the straps, that the straps need not extend to the entire height of the Sukka. This is based on a halachic principle known as “gud asik” which teaches that any wall that is 10 tefachim high (roughly 40 inches) is considered to extend upwards indefinitely or, in the case of a Sukka, until the schach.

So too, the straps need not form a solid wall or border, either. This is based on a halachic principle known as “lavud” which teaches that as long as each row of straps is within 3 tefachim (roughly 10 inches) of the next row then they are all considered to be connected. According to this, the straps are considered to be a solid wall from the perspective of halacha even though the eye sees gaps between the rows of straps! In fact, the straps solution is explicitly suggested in the Shulchan Aruch for those who want to use a cloth Sukka.

As such, here is the preferred way to use the straps to better ensure a kosher Sukka: There should be 5 levels of straps, with each strap being about 20 centimeters above the previous one, to a total height of 100 centimeters (i.e. 5x20=100). 

In summary: most authorities rule that a flapping Sukka is invalid (7)  it is commendable to do lovud using the straps, even if the cloth walls are tied down well enough to prevent any flapping. (8) One may use straps to form the three (imaginary) walls of the Sukka and such a Sukka is completely kosher.

For this and more Sukka related halacha see our Azamra L'ishmecha #263

1. Wind is defined as a regular wind as should be expected in that time and place. Mishna Berura 630:48.

2. Sukka 23a; OC 630:10.

3. OC 630:10.

4. Some rule that swaying in the middle of the cloth is irrelevant as long as the edges of the cloth are immobile. 

5 Machatzit Hashekel, OC 362:21.

6 Chazon Ish OC 77:6.

7 Mishna Berura 630:48.

8 Aruch Hashulchan, OC 630:32; Salmat Chaim 253; Beit Avi 4:73:17; Mishne Halachot 5:77.