It is a Mitzvah to build the Sukkah on the day after Yom Kippur.
Some have the custom to be particular about building the Sukkah personally, others do not.
The Sukkah should preferably be comprised of four proper and complete walls. If this is not possible, the Sukkah should be made of three complete walls. If any of the three walls are incomplete – whether vertically or horizontally – its Kashrut should be approved by someone knowledgeable in the relevant Halachot.
A roof at the edge of the Sukkah does not disqualify it, provided it is less than four Amot (192cm) wide, and the wall of the Sukkah extends at least to the height of the Schach. The same applies when there is an eave or roof overhanging the Sukkah, but with the additional requirement that the Schach (or some other material at the same height as the Schach) continues all the way to the wall of the Sukkah. Of course, one does not fulfil the Mitzvah of Sukkah under these areas (unless they are less than three Tefachim – 24cm – wide).
The Sukkah must be sturdy enough to remain stationary when an ordinary gust of wind blows. [Canvas or fabric walls are not ideal, as they flap in the wind. Even if
If the Sukkah is detached from the house, it is ideal to set up a washing station near the Sukkah in order to minimize any interruption between Kiddush and the Seudah. [The water should not drain onto earth or grass.]
It is proper not to build the Sukkah over earth or grass without floorboards. Otherwise, on Shabbat and Chag, great care must be taken that liquids do not spill onto the grass, that pips or seeds do not fall to the ground, and that the ground is not swept or levelled in any way.
One may not use Maaser funds for his own Sukkah, but may use it to provide a Sukkah for others or for the Shul’s Sukkah.
