Our Gemara discusses the various spaces that can be accounted for within the schach, that are legally kosher but not actual Schach. They are: under 3 tefachim of blank space (lavood), under four tefachim of space used by material that ordinarily is not kosher for Schach, and up to four amos contiguous from any wall of material not ordinarily kosher for Schach. The Gemara describes the latter as “Dofan Akuma”, a bent wall. That is, legally we look at it as if the wall curved over and that part of the roof is really the wall.

As We have been exploring in the last few discussions, there are symbolic metaphysical ideas expressed in the nuts and bolts laws of Succah. The Kalter Litvack in me was quick to scoff assuming these interpretations were the sole territory of the rebbes such as Rav Tzaddok HaCohen or the Ishbitzer. However, even the Rama (Rav Moshe Isserles, Toras HaOlah 3:62) engages in this kind of exploration. Here I Will share his metaphysical interpretation of these three related halachos of Succah:

He starts with the concept that the Succah represents a positive incursion of spiritual connection to overcome the dense, thick fog of physicality. Each of the three halachos we mentioned earlier represent a process by which this feat is accomplished. He uses the teaching that prophecy will only enlighten a person who has three qualities: Wisdom, Strength and Wealth. The quality of wisdom implies a wholeness in understanding of Torah and mitzvos. The quality of strength implies a healthy physical constitution to bear the demands and devotions of a moral and spiritual life. The quality of wealth represents a wholeness in character that allows a person to be kind and generous. Each of the three halachos correspond to one of these essential qualities. 

The requirement of not having blank space more than three tefachim represents a reduction and management of arrogance. Under 3 tefachim which is considered like earth represents due humility, more than that will disrupt the holiness, thus 3 tefachim of “air space” or arrogance invalidates the Succah. The three tefachim of invalid Schach represent the 3 dimensions of space in this world, the fourth is metaphysical and Godly. Thus, The requirement of invalid Schach to not be four tefachim represents characteristic of wisdom in that a person may be allowed errors in Science and practical wisdom but not metaphysics and Godly wisdom. And finally the dofan akuma, bent wall, represents the characteristic of strength, as the wall is the physical body, and the Schach the spiritual potential. Four amos is the typical height of a healthy person, thus the spirituality can be sustained by a healthy strong body (under four amos), but if the physical capacity is strained too much, the Succah is invalid and cannot support the spirituality.