SCHACH Meaning and
Definition
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Schach, also known as sukkah schach, is a term originating from Hebrew that refers to the natural roofing materials used to construct a sukkah, a temporary hut constructed for the Jewish festival of Sukkot. Sukkot commemorates the forty-year period during which the Israelites wandered in the desert after the exodus from Egypt. The sukkah represents the huts they lived in during this time.
Schach specifically refers to the organic materials used to cover the roof of the sukkah. It is customary for the schach to be made from raw, unfinished, and unprocessed vegetation such as tree branches, bamboo, reeds, or any plant material that has been disconnected from the ground. The schach must be opaque enough to provide shade during the daytime but still allow one to see the stars in the sky during nighttime.
The construction of the sukkah and the use of schach are integral to fulfilling the religious commandments associated with the festival of Sukkot. The sukkah serves as a reminder of the impermanence of earthly dwellings and the dependence on divine providence. By dwelling in the sukkah, individuals are encouraged to reflect on their blessings and gain a deeper spiritual connection.
In summary, schach refers to the natural roofing materials, usually made from plant materials, used to cover a sukkah during the Jewish festival of Sukkot. It is an integral part of fulfilling religious obligations and symbolizes the transitory nature of human existence.
Etymology of SCHACH
The word "schach" is of Persian origin. It comes from the Persian word "shah", which means "king". The Persian word "shah" was borrowed into several other languages, including Arabic, where it became "shāh", and then it was further borrowed into other languages, including English and German, where it became "schach". In English, it specifically refers to the game of chess, while in German, it can refer to both the game of chess and the chessboard itself.
