Parents of boys who 5 or 6 years old (depending on their maturity) are obligated to be Mechanech (train) them in the mitzvah of Sukkah and should not give them Hamotzie or Mezonos foods to eat out of the Sukkah (unless the parents determine that it is too cold for the child in the Sukkah). (Shulchan Aruch w/Mishnah Berurah 640:2, Piskei Tshuvos 640:2 fn9)
Nevertheless, the custom today is that very young children do not sleep in the Sukkah in locations where it is cold at night. (Piskei Tshuvos 640:2 fn9)
Hilchos Sukkah – Review
If snow fell onto the Sukkah and is completely covering the S’chach (and it is not melting/dripping into the Sukkah), the Sukkah is not invalidated, and one may eat in the Sukkah. However, because some opinions hold that that the Sukkah is invalidated, one should not make the beracha of “Layshaiv BaSukkah”. (Shulchan Aruch 626 see Be’er Haitaiv 1 and Shaarei Tshuvah 1, Piskei Tshuvos 626:3, Aruch Hashulchan 629:2)
Hilchos Chol Hamoed Review
Laws of Chol Hamoed – Summary (This list is a partial list). Based upon the psakim of Rabbi Avrohom Blumenkrantz.
1. The Mitzvah of Simchas Yom Tov includes Chol Hamoed. Therefore one should wear Yom Tov clothing, and eat meat and/or drink wine at least once each day.
2. One is not permitted to take a haircut, shave, manicure or pedicure on Chol Hamoed.
3. It is forbidden to launder clothing on Chol Hamoed (except for infants clothing which are continuously soiled and washed). This includes even a non-jewish dry cleaner.
4. Plumbing repairs needed for Chol Hamoed may be made. (eg. Broken boiler/hot water), blocked sewer.
5. Gardening is not permitted. One must also stop a non-jewish gardener from working. Watering houseplants which will die if not watered is permitted.
6. One should not conduct business on Chol Hamoed without first discussing with a Rov the exact nature of the business to clarify if a leniency is permitted in that particular circumstance.
7. Skilled work is permitted if being done for food preparation for Chol Hamoed or Yom Tov.
8. Tailoring is generally prohibited. However, sewing a button in an unskilled manner for Yom Tov use is permitted. Shoe repairs are likewise forbidden.
9. One may not give a car to a mechanic for repairs on Chol Hamoed. However, if one is in middle of a trip and would be stranded without the car, then it is permitted as a Davar Ha’avad.
10. Changing light bulbs is permitted.
11. Regular doctor or dentist appointments should not be scheduled for Chol Hamoed.
12. One should not buy stocks on Chol Hamoed. One may sell a stock if there is a reasonable possibility that he may otherwise incur a loss.
13. Engagements are permitted on Chol Hamoed. Some authorities permit a full meal while others permit only refreshments.
14. One may shop on Chol Hamoed for items needed for Chol Hamoed or Yom Tov. One may shop at a special sale for non Yom Tov items if those items will not be available after Yom Tov.
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