On Erev Sukkos, one should not donate blood or undergo any procedures or tests involving blood loss. [This does not apply in cases of great need, and certainly not when it is Pikuach Nefesh.]
On Erev Sukkos, one should not eat (a meal) in the Sukkah.
The Mitzvah of V’Samechta B’Chagecha entails eating meat, wine and delicacies; providing new clothing or jewellery for one’s wife according to his means; and giving sweets to the children. These should be arranged in advance.
One may not launder on Chol Hamoied. Therefore, any laundry should be tended to before Sukkos.
When necessary, one should take a haircut in honour of Sukkos.
Nails should be trimmed in honour of Yom Tov. [Another reason to tend to them on Erev Sukkos is because they otherwise cannot be trimmed on Chol Hamoied.]
One immerses in a Mikvah after midday.
Yom Tov is an especially appropriate time for guests. This is emphasized on Sukkos, because the function of a Sukkah is to unite all Klal Yisroel. Additionally, hosting guests is especially connected to the Ushpizin.
It is forbidden to begin a proper meal of bread once the tenth Halachic hour of the day begins (4:22pm), in order to properly enjoy the meal of the first night. However, one may snack in small quantities.
Even though all meals will be eaten in the Sukkah, nevertheless, a tablecloth should be placed on the table in the house, in honour of Yom Tov.
Eruv Tavshilin is performed – see separate Halacha Guide.
One should ensure that an Eruv Chatzeiros is arranged if it is needed to carry between one’s home and the Sukkah on Shabbos.
One should give Tzedakah on Erev Sukkos for the two days of Yom Tov and Shabbos Chol Hamoied. The Rebbe emphasized that the Yom Tov requirements of the needy be met, including a set of Daled Minim and a Sukkah.
