Study Sukkah folio 9A with parallel Hebrew-English text, traditional commentary, and modern study tools. Free access to Babylonian Talmud online.
Mishnah: With regard to an old sukka, Beit Shammai deem it unfit for the mitzva of sukka and Beit Hillel deem it fit. And which is considered an old sukka? It is any booth that one established 30 days or more prior to the Festival without expressly designating that it was for the mitzva of sukka.
Talmud: The Talmud asks: What is the rationale for the opinion of Beit Shammai? The Talmud explains that it is as the verse states: “The festival of Sukkot is 7 days unto YHWH” (Leviticus 23:34), indicating that we require a sukka established for the sake of the Festival. A sukka not constructed
The Talmud asks: And how do Beit Hillel interpret this verse? The Talmud answers: In Beit Hillel’s opinion, that verse is necessary to teach in accordance with the statement of Rav Sheshet, as Rav Sheshet said in the name of R' Akiva: From where is it derived that use of the wood of the sukka is pro
And it is taught in a baraita in explanation that R' Yehuda ben Beteira says: Just as the name of Heaven takes effect upon the Festival peace-offering, so too, the name of Heaven takes effect upon the sukka, as it is stated: “The festival of Sukkot is 7 days unto YHWH”; just as the Festival offering
The Talmud asks: But don’t Beit Shammai require the verse to derive this halakha as well? The Talmud answers: Yes, indeed it is so that Beit Shammai derives the sanctity of the wood of the sukka from this verse. Therefore, the rationale for their opinion with regard to an old sukka must be based on