Throughout Sukkos, there is no Torah obligation to eat in the Sukkah, since one can avoid eating those things which will require him to do so. The exception to this is the first two nights of Sukkos. Therefore, the night meal must begin after Tzeis Hakochavim (8:06pm).
During Kiddush on the first night, Leisheiv Basukkah is recited before Shehecheyanu, as the Shehecheyanu pertains to the Mitzvah of eating in the Sukkah as well. One should have this in mind when reciting Shehecheyanu, in addition to having the Kiddush of Yom Tov in mind. On the second night, the order is reversed.
Women who hear Kiddush in the Sukkah but choose to eat in the house should first eat a kezayis of bread or Mezonos in the Sukkah, or drink a revi’is (86ml) of grape juice or wine. This is because Kiddush must be heard in the same place where the meal begins. Alternatively, they should stand in the place where they will eat and hear Kiddush from there. [Although this is an absolute requirement only when the Sukkah is detached from the house, it is still preferable to act accordingly even when the Sukkah is attached to the house.]
A woman who needs to make her own Kiddush does not say Shehecheyanu, as she already recited it at candle-lighting.
At least a kezayis of bread must be eaten before midnight (1:05am). [A kezayis is a measurement of volume equal to the displacement of 29ml of water. In practice, anything less dense than water weighing 29 grams is most certainly more than a kezayis.] This kezayis is eaten in the shortest time frame possible, and at the very least, within nine minutes.
While eating the kezayis, one has in mind that he is fulfilling the special obligation of eating in the Sukkah on the first night(s). This is in addition to the intention that this Mitzvah commemorates our exodus from Egypt (as explained later).
During each Yom Tov meal of Sukkos, the Challah is dipped (three times) in honey. [A total of at least a K’beitzah must be eaten, as per every Yom Tov and Shabbos.]
One drinks (a revi’is of) wine every day of Sukkos. This should be paid special attention by those who do not make their own Kiddush.
Simchas Beis Hashoeva celebrations are conducted throughout Sukkos, beginning on the first night, with singing, clapping and dancing.
