Insect Infestation Concerns in…S’chach

1
>>Follow Matzav On Whatsapp!<<

schach-sukkahThe institute in Eretz Yisroel headed by Rav Moshe Vaya, the renowned expert in bedikas tolaim, insect infestation in foods, released an alert regarding insects being found in, of all things, s’chach. There is a concern that bugs in s’chach will fall onto one’s table on Sukkos and into one’s food, thereby causing one to transgress several issurim unwittingly. The Aruch Laner (Tosefes Bikkurim, Siman Tof Reish Nun Zayin), in his time, warned people not to hang flowers in their sukkah from which “small worms and mosquitoes can fall…and through this, the mitzvah of sukkah becomes a mitzvah haba’ah b’aveirah if one swallows bugs with food…”

In green s’chach, such as palm fronds, tree branches and shrubs with green leaves, one might find small insects such as aphids. Dry s’chach, such as S’chach Keinis and reeds, one may find other insects.

When you buy s’chach or before placing the s’chach on your sukkah, hold the s’chach vertically above a white surface, such as a large sheet of white paper or white cloth, and bang the s’chach down hard and see if small insects fall to the surface. If small insects are found, spray insecticide into the s’chach and after a few hours shake the s’chach so that the dead insects fall out. This can be done as well with the help of a brush or vacuum cleaner.

Many are unaware of the possibility of there even being concerns with infestation in s’chach, and each type of s’chach is different. Yidden are encouraged to be aware of this.

{Matzav.com Israel News Bureau}


1 COMMENT

  1. The stink bugs are so bad this year that your sin will be worse to think G-d did not give you the s’chach to be your own mood that sleeps with the bugs flying all over your sukkah. They are not the best shot from heaven.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here