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The Rambam (Laws of Sukkah and Lulav, 4:7) writes:

A sukkah that does not possess a roof is invalid

This is from a halachic perspective. However, I was wondering what the deeper meaning behind the roof of the sukkah is. A obvious reason would be that we are under Hashem's protection, but is there more to it and to the greenery we place on top of the schach? Why do we put leaves on top of it....

What's the reasoning behind all this? Especially since Rav Hirsch is quoted in saying that a roof, "with its ability to shut out the heavenly influences of rain and sun, symbolizes man's imagined independence from G-d".

Shmuel
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  • IMHO you should have quoted the coninuation of your linked article that says, "The symbol of the roof stands in diametric opposition to the weak succah-booth. A succah, covered only by some meager branches, symbolizes our dependence on G-d. – Avrohom Yitzchok Nov 01 '23 at 19:26
  • Yet, we have a full roof with leaves on top of it. So I don't understand that it a roof with meager branches symbolizes dependence on G-d. – Shmuel Nov 01 '23 at 19:44
  • https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/4515333/jewish/Why-Is-the-Sukkah-Covered-With-Plant-Material-Schach.htm – shmosel Nov 01 '23 at 20:02
  • @Shmuel Why don't you live in a house with sechach on top it rather than a roof? – Avrohom Yitzchok Nov 01 '23 at 22:27
  • Well that seems obvious. But I am still looking for sources that discuss the deeper meaning behind it. And maybe some other than Rav Hirsch. – Shmuel Nov 01 '23 at 22:38
  • I believe Rav Hirsch is saying that is why a sukkah cannot have a real roof, only a temporary plant-based covering. – N.T. Nov 02 '23 at 17:27
  • @N.T. interesting. Could you please elaborate? Rav Hirsch is only partly quoted there. – Shmuel Nov 02 '23 at 17:39

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