The Short Vort by Rabbi Eisenman

"Nu, so what do you think? We will be able to eat in the Succah?"

It was Shabbos day, and as Shul was ending, everyone was discussing the same subject,

The weather-predictors were all in sync: rain for the majority of Shabbos.

Yet, as we exited Shul and looked up to the skies, the forecast was far from certain.

The heavens above were certainly overcast, and sometime during davening, rain had fallen.

Yet the key question in everyone's minds was, "Where do we set the table?"

Our Succahs were all wet, the schach was dripping, and more rain seemed imminent.

And therefore, as Shul emptied out and all headed home, wives were asking their husbands the same question. "Where do we set the table?"

Many of those leaving Shul asked me, "Rabbi, where are you eating?" I answered, just like everyone else, "I'll see when I get home."

At the Solomon* home, the discussion was in full swing.

As Yitzchok Solomon surveyed his Succah, although an uninvited occasional drop on the back of his neck was somewhat vexing, he concluded that, as the rain had subsided, the Succah would be the choice of venue for the meal.

As the family scurried to set the table and begin the meal hastily, a knock was heard at the door of the Succah.

As the door opened, standing there was Mendel, a young man from the Shul, together with his father.

Mendel's father asked if the Solomons would be eating in the Succah. When they replied affirmatively, he politely asked if his son could join them.

He explained that his family was invited out, and their host had already decided to eat their meal in the dry comfort of the dining room.

Mendel's father explained, "My son claims that he heard from his Rebbe that he should eat in the Succah no matter what. What can I do? Argue with my son's Rebbe? Can he please eat with you in your Succah?"

He added, "I figured that the Solomons were probably 'Succah-only' people."

Yitzchok Solomon said, "You are correct, we are eating in the Succah, and we would be honored to host your son."

The Solomons sat down for Kiddush and then went out to wash.

No sooner had they returned from washing and saying HaMotzi than the rain began in earnest.

As Yitzchok Solomon quickly handed out the Challah, the rain began to soak the Succah.

By the time the first kezayis was consumed, it was clear to all that continuing the meal in the Succah was not just impractical; it was nearly impossible— as rain began to fill the cups on the table faster than any waiter could have poured.

Everyone grabbed their plates and silverware and made a mad dash to the dining room.

Everyone, that is, except for Mendel.

Mendel was intent on staying in the Succah despite the rain, and no one could convince him otherwise.

As Mrs. Solomon began to plate the liver and eggs, her husband quietly approached her and said, "I'm getting a raincoat. I will eat with Mendel in the Succah."

Yitz Solomon grabbed his hooded raincoat and headed for the Succah.

As huge drops of water saturated his liver and eggs, he had a casual conversation with Mendel about which Massechta he was learning and what daf he was on.

As his Diet Coke turned into diluted Coke, he took it in stride, doing his best not to let on to Mendel that he was experiencing any discomfort.

When Mrs. Solomon informed them that the Chulent was ready, both Mendel and Yitz filled their plates.

As the young man ate, Yitz looked at his bowl and silently realized he was eating Chulent soup rather than a hot, steaming stew.

Finally, the desert was served, and benching was completed.

Mendel thanked the Solomons and returned to his family.

Mrs. Solomon turned to her husband and asked him, "Didn't you teach the children that if one sits in the succah during the rain, they are considered 'foolish' and they don't get a Mitzvah?"

Yitzchok looked at his wife and said, "Yes, that is correct. Perhaps it's true that I receive no credit for sitting in the Succah. However, I was still obligated to make my guest feel at home. Eating by himself is not making him feel at home. Perhaps I was exempt from the Mitzvah of Succah; however, I don't think I was exempt from the Mitzvah of Hochnosos Orchim."