Proper Roof Material

There is a technical law connected with the construction of a Succah, that needs clarification. This a specific law related to the roof of the Succah, known as “Schach.”

The rule is that we may not use anything that is מקבל טומאה, capable of becoming defiled. This might seem strange since the rules of purity and impurity are not applicable without the Beit Hamikdash.

Nevertheless, this does apply today in connection with our Succah construction. When we speak of something capable of being defiled, we refer to a completed vessel or כלי. In theory, a completed item could become טמא, if there was a vessel.

A good example of this would apply to someone who wanted to use a completed chair or table as Schach. Since it is a completed item, it cannot be used as part of the roof.

However, if one took apart the table or chair, it no longer has the name of כלי, or completed vessel. The wood fragments that once were a part of the table or chair, are now permitted to be used as Schach as they are no longer מקבל טומאה.

I realize this is a very technical point I am making, but this term of מקבל טומאה is thrown around a lot regarding Succot laws, and many do not understand it. Hopefully, this will clarify matters.