Sukkot in Israel: Chief Rabbi Gives Important Instructions
Israel's Chief Rabbi Kalman Meir Bar has clarified the rules of Sukkot: travelers under certain conditions are exempt from the obligation to be in the sukkah, a meal in the sukkah is mandatory on the first night, and if it rains, kiddush is recited in the sukkah after which the meal can continue at home.
Israel's Chief Rabbi Kalman Meir Bar published clarifications of the rules of the Sukkot holiday for Israelis. Travelers under certain conditions are exempt from the obligation to be in the sukkah during a trip, however due to disagreements regarding tourist trips, it is recommended to plan the route so that there is an opportunity to eat in the sukkah during the day. On the first night of Sukkot, it is necessary to have a meal in the sukkah and eat the amount of bread set by halakha, while between kiddush and the fulfillment of the commandment it is advisable not to be distracted by conversation. If it starts to rain in the evening, it is recommended to wait, but not to postpone the meal until late at night. In the case of continued precipitation, kiddush is recited in the sukkah, after which the meal can continue at home, and if the rain stops, return to the sukkah. On the eve of the holiday, it is recommended not to overeat in order to maintain an appetite for the evening meal. A separate clarification concerns visiting Jerusalem: those who visit the Western Wall during Chol HaMoed in daylight are recommended to perform the commandment of the four species again in the Old City.