Reciting Two Brachot Before Eating in the Sukkah

When a person eats bread in the Sukkah, he recites two Brachot: 1) Bracha of “Hamotzi”- the one always recited before eating bread; 2) “Le’shev B’Sukkah” - the Bracha on eating in the Sukkah. Our community follows the view that this Bracha is recited only if one eats bread in the Sukkah. When a person eats other foods, he does not recite this Bracha, even in those situations which require eating in the Sukkah. The Shulchan Aruch records two views regarding the sequence of these two Brachot. The Maharam of Rothenberg held that one should first recite the Bracha of “Le’shev B’Sukkah and only thereafter " Hamotzi." The practice of the Rosh, however, was to recite the Brachot in the reverse sequence – "Hamotzi," followed by "Le’shev B’Sukkah." The Ben Ish Chai, the Kaf HaChaim and Chacham Ovadia Yosef all rule in accordance with the first view, that one should first recite "Le’shev B’Sukkah" followed by "Hamotzi." There is, however, a prevalent custom in our community to follow the second view, and to recite " Hamotzi " before " Le’shev B’Sukkah." Both customs have a basis in Halacha and are valid. It must be emphasized, however, that this discussion pertains only to meals during which Kiddush is not recited, such as during Chol Hamoed and at Seuda Shlishit on Shabbat. However, at a Shabbat or Yom Tov meal where Kiddush is recited, according to all views we insert the Bracha of  "Le’shev B’Sukkah " as part of the Kiddush recitation, as printed in the Siddurim, before we recite the Bracha over bread. It is only regarding cases when we do not recite Kiddush that different customs exist concerning when the Bracha of " Le’shev B’Sukkah" is recited.

 By Rabbi Eli Mansour