By Rabbi Yair Hoffman This article discusses gas grills, decks, and Sukkahs. There are generally two types of gas barbeque grills – propane and natural gas. Propane comes in a canister and needs to be filled up or exchanged. Natural gas involves a hookup to a gas line. Of late, many people have been switching their grilling habits to natural gas, as opposed to propane. And although natural gas is better for the environment than propane, the real reason that most people are making the switch is because it is kind of a pain in the neck to refill or replace the canister. At this point, many readers are asking what all this has to do with Sukkos. The answer is that many people keep their grills on the very same deck that they will be building their Sukkah. And there is a fascinating and controversial halacha about not keeping a gas grill in the Sukkah. THE CONTROVERSY The controversy is either based upon the principle of Taishvu k’ain taduru – we stay in the Sukkah the way we generally live. Alternatively, it may be based on something else as well – the Kavod – the honor in which we must treat the Sukkah (which may or may not be subsumed under Taishvu k’ain taduru). The discussion is predicated upon a Gemorah in Sukkah 29a: Rava said: “mahni mashtia b’mitlalta – mahni michla bar mimitlalta – Drinking vessels such as cups, which are usually clean, [may] remain in the sukkah. Eating vessels may not remain (or are taken out of the sukkah after use.) An earthenware jug and a wicker basket [shaḥil ] that are used for drawing water are taken outside the sukkah. And a lamp remains inside the sukkah, and some say it is taken outside the sukkah. The Gemorah continues to comment: And they do not disagree. Rather, this opinion, [that a lamp remains inside the sukkah], is referring to a large sukkah, [where the lamp and its odor do not disturb those residing in the sukkah]. And that opinion, [that the lamp is taken outside the sukkah], is referring to a small sukkah, [where the lamp’s odor is offensive.] THE REASONS BEHIND IT – ACCORDING TO THE RISHONIM Rashi states that “mahni michla” means eating vessels and that they must be taken out immediately after the meal because they are disgusting. The Raavan (Siman 464), Rav Avrohom min Hahar, the Talmid of the Ramban, the Rosh, and Rabbeinu Yeruchem all agree with Rashi as does the SMaG who quotes him. The Bach explains that the reason for Rashi is so that Mitzvos will not be disgusting upon him (shelo tehei mitzvas sukkah b’zuyah alav.) The BaHaG and Rabbeinu Tam (Sefer HaYashar 367) understand “Mahni michla” to mean cooking vessels and they hold that they should NOT be brought in in the first place. This is because they have a specific spot outside of the normal living quarters of an individual. This is also the opinion of the Baal HaMaor. The reason for all three of these Rishonim is that it is not a fulfillment of Teshvu k’ain taduru. The fact of the matter is that the vast majority of people do not keep their Weber gas grill in their living room. THE MISHNA BRURAH’S VIEW The […]
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