I Googled, “Can I cut down a tree in Manhattan?” and the first thing that popped up was:
According to Title 18, Chapter 1, Section 18-129 of the New York City Administrative Code, it is illegal and punishable by law for citizens to remove, kill, or damage a street or park tree, whether intentionally or accidentally. ... Anyone caught removing or otherwise harming a tree should be reported immediately.
Well, that got me nervous. You see, at the beginning of the summer I was in Ruppert Park for our outdoor Shavuot party, and I noticed that many trees now hang over the spot where we have built our Sukkah for the last 15 years or so.
I found it strange, because I would have noticed them the year before, and I hoped I hadn’t overlooked something which would make our sukkah unkosher.
So two weeks ago I returned to take a better look and re-evaluate, and sure enough, trees and branches were hanging over most of the area where our sukkah would be. Perhaps on a regular year, when Sukkot falls out later, the trees are already bare and it’s a non-issue? Or maybe they’ve just extended over time and only recently become a problem… Either way, I had to take action.
Although a sukkah is only a temporary dwelling, there are very strict guidelines for how it needs to be built, and if a tree hangs over it, the part of the sukkah covered by the tree is not kosher. Our sukkah in Ruppert Park has become a neighborhood staple, and so many people rely on it to be able to perform the mitzvah of eating in the sukkah. We cannot have parts which are not kosher!
So I started researching how to remove a tree, which is when I realized it is not at all simple. I called a tree company and asked them to come and prune the trees, and they told me I need a permit. So I called every office I know of from the city and the parks department, and eventually made an appointment for an inspector to meet me at the park.
I explained the problem, and he asked why the tree would interfere. I explained that by hanging over the sukkah, it makes the structure unkosher.
He asked, “What are you covering the sukkah with?”
“Leaves or bamboo mates or date palms.”
“Then what’s the issue with the trees?” he wanted to know. “It’s the same thing.”
I explained that although it’s the same material, when it’s connected to the ground it makes the sukkah not kosher, but as soon as you cut it and place it on top, it’s ok.”
It made no sense to him, but somehow, thank G-d, we convinced him and he agreed to give us the required permit. A tree cutting company will be coming next week to prune the trees and ensure our sukkah is kosher for the holiday!
Sitting in the sukkah demonstrates our deep faith in G-d. We leave the security of our homes and sit in a flimsy structure, trusting Him to care for us and keep us safe, and remembering how he did so for 40 years in the desert. Thank G-d, now hundreds more people will be able to do the mitzvah correctly!
G-d gives us the guidelines and it’s our job to get things done exactly to His specifications. No shortcuts allowed!
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Vigler