שינה בסוכה, סוכות גשום, ומנהגי האושפיזין בחב"ד

Sukkah Observance and Rain: When it comes to sleeping in the sukkah, there are differences in conduct. Although it may appear to conflict with a clear ruling in the Shulchan Aruch of sleeping in the Sukkah, there are other instances where practices deviate from what is explicitly stated. For example, consider the placement of the Chanukah menorah. The Shulchan Aruch dictates that it should be placed outside the door to the street, but in practice, many people place it indoors.

Sukkah and Rainy Days: Sitting in the Sukkah while it rains can be somewhat perplexing. On the first night, it's an absolute requirement, but what about the rest of Sukkot? Interestingly, the students of the Baal Shem Tov used to sit in the Sukkah even when it rained. Rain during Sukkot might appear as a negative sign, as if Hashem doesn't want us to fulfill this mitzvah.

Perspectives on Rainy Sukkot Days: Here are a couple of perspectives:

Other Opportunities: One way to interpret this is that during the daytime, there are plenty of opportunities to be in the Sukkah, suggesting that Hashem does desire our service. Rather than leaving the Sukkah in frustration, one should exit humbly, recognizing that the opportunity to serve Hashem remains.
Leaving vs. Not Entering: There's a distinction between leaving the Sukkah due to rain and never entering it in the first place. Leaving when it rains may carry a greater sense of rejection than not entering at all.

Adapting to Circumstances: It's worth considering that relocating a gathering or event indoors due to rain can also be interpreted as a sign that Hashem wants us to be comfortable. This allows us to celebrate or engage in meaningful activities in a more comfortable environment, similar to studying and praying in a synagogue instead of the Sukkah.

Leishev Basukah when it rains and Ushpizin in Chabad: Regarding the recitation of the blessing 'Leishev basukah' when it rains, some individuals may object to it. Traditional Jewish texts do contain strong language regarding those who sit in the Sukkah when it is not required.

However, in Chabad tradition, it is noted in an anecdotal account from the Rebbe's diary that on the second night of Sukkot when it was pouring rain, the Rebbe's father-in-law, the previous Rebbe, did recite the 'Leishev basukah' blessing. This suggests that in Chabad, the practice is to recite this blessing even in the face of inclement weather.

Chasidic Ushpizin Tradition: In Chabad, the practice of inviting the Ushpizin (spiritual guests) during the festival of Sukkot involves a unique approach. While Chabad Chasidim may not recite the traditional Aramaic invitation formula, as is common in some other Jewish traditions, they still engage with the concept and study about it.

Chasidic Ushpizin Figures: Chabad tradition adds an extra layer to the Ushpizin by introducing the concept of the Chasidic Ushpizin. These Chasidic Ushpizin are figures from Chabad Chasidic history and leadership, beginning with the Baal Shem Tov (the founder of Chasidism), the Magid of Mezritch (his disciple), and the Alter Rebbe (the first Rebbe of Chabad).

Teaching from Ushpizin: The Rebbe would often speak about the Ushpizin during Sukkot, deriving meaningful lessons and teachings from the specific Ushpizin associated with each day of the holiday.

This shiur discusses differences in conduct regarding sleeping in the sukkah. While it may seem to contradict a clear ruling in Shulchan Aruch about sleeping in the sukkah, there are other examples where practice diverges from explicit rulings—such as placing the Chanukah menorah indoors instead of outside as stated in Shulchan Aruch.

Regarding sitting in the sukkah when it rains: On the first night of Sukkot it is an absolute requirement, but what about the rest of Sukkot? The students of the Baal Shem Tov would sit in the sukkah even when it rained. Rain during Sukkot might seem like a negative sign, as if Hashem does not want us to fulfill this mitzvah.

There are different perspectives on this: During the day there are many opportunities to be in the sukkah, showing that Hashem does desire our service. Instead of leaving frustrated when it rains, one should exit humbly and recognize that opportunities to serve Hashem remain. There is a difference between leaving due to rain and never entering at all; leaving can feel more like rejection.

Adapting to circumstances is also important—moving an event indoors due to rain can be seen as Hashem wanting us to be comfortable. This allows for meaningful activities inside, similar to studying or praying in a synagogue instead of a sukkah.

Regarding reciting 'Leishev basukah' when it rains: Some object to saying this blessing when not required. Traditional texts use strong language about those who sit in the sukkah unnecessarily. However, Chabad tradition records that on a rainy second night of Sukkot, the previous Rebbe did recite 'Leishev basukah,' suggesting that Chabad practice is to say this blessing even during inclement weather.

In Chabad, inviting Ushpizin (spiritual guests) during Sukkot has a unique approach. While Chabad chassidim may not recite the traditional Aramaic invitation formula, they still engage with and study about Ushpizin. Additionally, Chabad introduces "Chasidic Ushpizin"—figures from Chabad history such as the Baal Shem Tov, Magid of Mezritch, and Alter Rebbe.

The Rebbe would often speak about Ushpizin during Sukkot and derive lessons from each day's associated figures.

Summary

This shiur highlights how halachic practice can adapt based on tradition and circumstance—especially regarding sleeping in the sukkah and reciting blessings during rain—and emphasizes Chabad's unique engagement with both classical and Chasidic Ushpizin during Sukkot.