Generally
speaking if it is raining, one is exempt from eating in
the Sukkah and may eat their meal inside the house. However, the
first two nights of Sukkot are an exception to that rule. On the
first night of Sukkot, if it is raining, one is obligated to make
Kiddush in the Sukkah and Hamotzi in the Sukkah and eat a kazaayis
of bread.
Since it is
raining, however, the Bracha of Lashev b’Sukkah is not
recited; however the Bracha of Shehecheyanu is recited having in
mind both the mitzvah of Sukkah and the arrival of the holiday of
Sukkot.
The rest of
one’s meal can be completed in the house. If at any time
before one goes to sleep it stops raining, one should return to the
Sukkah, make Hamotzi again ( if you have already recited Birkat
Hamazon) and the Bracha Lashav b’Sukkah and eat two kazaayisim of
bread and recite Birchat Hamazon in the Sukkah.
There are
those that suggest waiting an hour at the beginning of
the evening to see if the rain might stop before beginning Kiddush.
However, if such a delay will cause discomfort to family members or
guests then such waiting is not necessary.
On the second night of Sukkot if
it is raining when one is about to begin their meal, they may make
Kiddush, Hamotzie and eat their meal inside the house without
waiting and at the end of the meal, go out to the Sukkah and eat a
kazzayis of bread in the Sukkah in the rain without reciting Lashev
b’Sukkah.
If at any
time before one goes to sleep it stops raining, one
should return to the Sukkah, make Hamotzi again ( if you have
already recited Birkat Hamazon) and the Bracha Lashav b’Sukkah and
eat two kazaayisim of bread and recite Birchat Hamazon in the Sukkah.
There are
those that suggest waiting an hour at the beginning of
the evening to see if the rain might stop before beginning Kiddush.
However, if such a delay will cause discomfort to family members or
guests then such waiting is not necessary.
Since eating in the sukkah is a time bound
commandment, the degree to which women want to engage in
eating in the Sukkah under these circumstances is optional and at
their discretion.
