This sugya defines the obligation to eat in the Sukkah. The simple understanding of the chiyuv of Sukkah is that one must dwell in the Sukkah as if it were his own house (teishvu k’eyn taduru).  By definition, that would include eating in the Sukkah.  In other words, there is no definitive obligation to eat in the Sukkah; however, when one does eat, he must eat in the Sukkah.

The question then arises: Is one required to eat in the sukkah, or is he simply prohibited from eating outside the Sukkah?  This sugya discusses this question in depth.

Among the questions discussed:

• ·         Why is the first night different than the rest of Sukkos?
• ·         How much is the shiur achila on the first night, and does it vary from the rest of Yom Tov?
• ·         How do we understand the opinion of the Rishonim regarding the obligation to eat in the Sukkah on the first night even though it’s raining?
• ·         Must one wait until nightfall before beginning his seudah on the first night?
• ·         What is the reason that one should not begin his seudah after chatzos on the first night?  
• ·         Is there an inyan to minimize eating on Erev Sukkos in order to enhance the Mitzvah of eating in the Sukkah (similar to not eating Matzah on erev Pesach)?
• ·         Does one repeat bentching if Ya’aleh V’yavo was omitted?