Sukka 10 a, b

Continuing with yesterday's discussion, we learn that there are times when the lower sukka is fit and the upper sukka is unfit.  The example given describes the lower roof as allowing more shade than sunlight while the upper roof allows more sunlight than shade.  In addition, the roofs of both are within 20 cubits of the ground.  

Alternately, there are times when the upper sukka is fit and the lower is unfit.  The example of this is when both sukkot have roofs that allow more shade than sunlight, but the roof of the upper sukka is less than 20 cubits from the roof of the lower sukka.

We learn in a note that there are numerous commentaries about these statements, which do not seem to be consistent upon first read-through.  Eventually the rabbis agree that fit sukkot adhere to complex laws, particularly regarding roofing.  

The rabbis continue to discuss the fitness of two sukkot, one upon the other, with regard to different measurements: the height of the upper sukka's roof, the distance between the upper and lower roofs, any barriers that might intercede between the roof and the ground.  From this discussion the rabbis move to a Mishna that examins those barriers.  They discuss the use of a sheet within a sukka.  Although area is important (a four by four cubit area must be uncovered, etc.), it seems that intention is just as significant in this consideration.  Is the sheet serving as decoration?  Is it intended to cover a bed, or to shield the dwellers from falling leaves?  A sheet covering a four-post bed invalidates the sukka, but a sheet covering a two post bed allows the sukka to be fit.

Decorations are discussed at some length. The rabbis are careful to specify whether or not hangning decorations will change the area of the sukka.  They tell a number of stories regarding both the fitness of a sukka and the appearance of fitness.  As always, we build a fence around the mitzvot to protect the sanctity of those mitzvot.  The rabbis tell us that drying a shirt on a sukka could be misinterpreted as condoning an unfit roof.  Then again, we learn that they find loopholes to explain their actions rather than insult the Exilarch.

We end the daf with a great example of using one argument to prove another.  The rabbis discuss what is done when a person is naked, in bed, wanting to recite the shema.  Of course s/he should put his/her head outside of the netting (out of respect for our prayer and G-d, the body should be clothed when reciting the shema).  Does this prove that the netting of a sheet/tent is not clothing?  How might this affect the halachot of the sukka?  Then again, the rabbis continue, perhaps this netting is ten feet above the person.  In that case, the netting would not be 'clothing' at all, but a roof where the bed is a residence.  Or might there be another interpretation?

The arguments of Masechet Sukkot are relatively simple compared with other halachot that I have been learning.  However, they draw upon many other masechtot.  As a true novice, I cannot even recognize how much I do not know.  At the same time, I am able to grasp so much more of this learning after having studied every day for the past year and a half.  Amazing.