K A S H R U T . C O M_©

The following alert concerning Sukkos is from the Star-K on September 6, 2011 and the cRc and the RCC on October 10, 2011.

From the Star-K: Some schach distributors are selling bamboo mat schach, claiming they are Star-K certified. Only the following brand of schach with a Star-K letter of certification and directions attached to the schach is certified:
Sukkah Systems, 20 Brighton Ave, Passaic, NJ 07055

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From the cRc: In response to numerous consumer enquiries regarding the use of certain types of schach, this year, the Home Depot store located at 6211 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago, IL, is selling Natural Reed Fencing (a.k.a. Woven Natural Reed Privacy Screening) under the Gardenpath brand name. This fencing may be used as schach if:

• The reeds are placed perpendicular to the schach support-beams rather than parallel to the beams.
• A 2 X 4 or some other piece of kosher schach should be placed on top of the fencing so that the fencing is secure enough to not blow off during Succos. This condition applies to all lightweight schach including mats, and is based on Shulchan Aruch 628:2.

Other similar items sold in this or other stores have not been investigated and should only be used after consulting with one's Rabbi.

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From the RCC: Following are guidelines for those who are going to set up a sukkah:

1. The S’chach of the Sukkah must be put up by someone who is obligated in Sukkah. Therefore only a Jew may do so.
2. The walls MUST be put up first and then the S’chach (roof)
3. If you are using mats , they may only be the type that is meant for fencing or shade (not sitting or sleeping on at home or by the beach etc.)
4. If the mats are made of reeds that are held together by metal or plastic lines /strings, OR if they are very thin and light , the following must be observed:
5. >The mats (reeds) should be resting perpendicular to the beams and walls upon which they are set (not parallel) .
6. One must place a wooden beam (e.g. 2x4) on top of the s’chach which is resting on the walls (or other s’chach support beams ) thereby “sandwiching” the s’chach between the beam and the top of the walls (or the support beams underneath) . This beam should be placed perpendicular to the bamboo sticks, so that the beam would hold down the sticks without the presence of the fishing wire etc. Once this is done, one may then tie a string around the s’chach to anchor and protect it from falling off in a gusting wind.
7. Sukkah may not be erected where there is foul odor of trash and the like .
8. The walls may not be of cloth or any material that moves in the wind. If you are using a canvas / tarp sukkah, you must make sure that all sides are very tightly attached to the frames at numerous points.