Mishneh Torah — Shofar, Sukkah, Lulav הלכות שופר וסוכה ולולב, Chapter 8

אַרְבַעַת מִינִין הָאֵלּוּ שֶׁהֵן לוּלָב וַהֲדַס וַעֲרָבָה וְאֶתְרוֹג שֶׁהָיָה אֶחָד מֵהֶן יָבֵשׁ אוֹ גָּזוּל אוֹ גָּנוּב אֲפִלּוּ לְאַחַר יֵאוּשׁ אוֹ שֶׁיִּהְיֶה מֵאֲשֵׁרָה הַנֶּעֱבֶדֶת אַף עַל פִּי שֶׁבִּטְּלוּ הָאֲשֵׁרָה מִלְּעָבְדָהּ. אוֹ שֶׁהָיָה שֶׁל עִיר הַנִּדַּחַת. הֲרֵי זֶה פָּסוּל. הָיָה אֶחָד מֵהֶן שֶׁל עֲבוֹדַת כּוֹכָבִים לֹא יִטּל לְכַתְּחִלָּה וְאִם נָטַל יָצָא. הָיָה כָּמוּשׁ וְלֹא גָּמַר לִיבַשׁ כָּשֵׁר. וּבִשְׁעַת הַדְּחָק אוֹ בִּשְׁעַת הַסַּכָּנָה לוּלָב הַיָּבֵשׁ כָּשֵׁר אֲבָל לֹא שְׁאָר הַמִּינִין:

[These are the rules governing] the four species: the lulav, the myrtle, the willow, and the etrog. If one of them was:a) dried out,b) 31a explains that an analogy is established among the various species, and all of them must be "beautiful." Fruit or branches that are dried out do not fit the latter description.The Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 645:5, 646:7) defines "drying out" as losing all its green and fading to a whitish color. The Ramah mentions an even more lenient opinion. taken by force or stolen, 3:1), the Rambam explains that any of the species which are stolen may not be used for the mitzvah, because a sin may not serve as the medium with which a mitzvah will be performed (מצוה הבאה בעבירה). (See also Hilchot Chametz U'matzah 6:7; Hilchot Issurei Mizbe'ach 5:7, 5:9.)Sukkah 29b-30a mentions this reason, but also a second explanation: because, as stated in Halachah 10, on the first day of the festival a person must own the four species he uses for the mitzvah. (See the commentary on Halachah 9 for a further discussion of this matter.) even after [the owner had] despaired of its recovery,c) 2:1, where the Rambam writes:A stolen article whose form has not changed...even though its owner has despaired of its recovery...must be returned to its owner.Thus, the article is not considered to belong to the thief, and he may not use it to fulfill the mitzvah. However, if the thief performed a deed which changed the appearance of the lulav or any of the other species, he is considered to have acquired it and may fulfill the mitzvah with it. Nevertheless, he should not recite a blessing before performing the mitzvah with such a lulav (Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chayim 649:1). came from an ashera that has been worshiped, even though the worship of the ashera has already been nullified,d) 31b explain that this refers to an ashera that entered a Jew's possession before it was nullified, or an ashera that was worshiped by a Jew. In these instances, the nullification of the ashera will not cause it to be permitted for use; rather, it must be totally destroyed. Hence, it is considered to have no size at all, and, therefore, may not be used for the mitzvah (Maggid Mishneh). (See also the Commentary on Chapter 1, Halachah 3.)Alternatively, since the ashera itself was worshiped, it may no longer be used for a mitzvah. A parallel can be found in Hilchot Tzitzit 1:11, which relates that the wool of a sheep that was worshiped may not be used for tzitzit, although that wool does not become prohibited. or it came from an apostate cityit is not acceptable. If one of them belonged to an idolater: (Orach Chayim 649:3) explains that it applies even when the tree itself was worshiped. at the outset, it should not be taken. If it was taken, the person has fulfilled his obligation.If [one of the species] was wilting, but had not dried out entirely, it is kosher. 31a explains that as long as the species have some moisture left to them, they are not disqualified for use. In extreme situations or in a time of danger, a dried out lulav is kosher. 32b relates that the inhabitants of the large cities would bequeath their lulavim to their descendants as part of their estate. Obviously, the lulavim would have dried out during this time. However, [this does not apply] to the other species. (Orach Chayim 645:5) follows the Ra'avad's view.

אֶתְרוֹג שֶׁל עָרְלָה וְשֶׁל תְּרוּמָה טְמֵאָה וְשֶׁל טֶבֶל פָּסוּל. שֶׁל דְּמַאי כָּשֵׁר שֶׁאֶפְשָׁר שֶׁיַּפְקִיר נְכָסָיו וְיִהְיֶה עָנִי שֶׁמֻּתָּר לוֹ לֶאֱכל דְּמַאי. אֶתְרוֹג שֶׁל תְּרוּמָה טְהוֹרָה וְשֶׁל מַעֲשֵׂר שֵׁנִי בִּירוּשָׁלַיִם לֹא יִטּל שֶׁמָּא יַכְשִׁירוֹ לְטֻמְאָה. וְאִם נָטַל כָּשֵׁר:

An etrog of orlah, applies only in Eretz Yisrael. In the Diaspora, there is also a prohibition against orlah, which was received as a halachah from Moses from Mount Sinai. However, much greater leniency is involved, and if there is a doubt whether a fruit is orlah or not, it may be eaten (Hilchot Ma'achalot Asurot 10:10). The same rules apply regarding its use for this mitzvah. of impure terumah, refers to the portion of produce which must be separated and given to a priest (Numbers 18:12). If the terumah becomes ritually impure, it is no longer permitted to be eaten and must be destroyed (Hilchot Terumah 12:1).In his Commentary on the Mishnah (Sukkah 3:8), the Rambam writes that etrogim of orlah and impure terumah are not acceptable because "they must be destroyed by burning. Therefore, they are unacceptable, because God requires 'a fruit,' and these are not fit to be eaten at all.” and of tevel from which the agricultural requirements - Terumah, Ma'aser Rishon (the first tithe), and Ma'aser Sheni (the second tithe) - have not been separated. Tevel is also unfit to be eaten, and thus, it may not be used for the mitzvah. is unacceptable. [An etrog] of d'mai, Chapter 9). is permitted, for it is possible for a person to declare all of his property as ownerless. Thus, he will be a poor man who is permitted to eat d'mai. 10:11. Since there is a possibility of his being allowed to eat the etrog, he may use it for the mitzvah (Rambam, Commentary on the Mishnah, ibid.).An etrog of pure terumah and of ma'aser sheni in Jerusalem for the mitzvah only while in Jerusalem, since that is the only place that it is permitted to be eaten (Commentary on the Mishnah, ibid.). However, Rabbenu Nissim and others differ and allow such an etrog to be used for the mitzvah in other places as well. They maintain that though we are not allowed to benefit from ma'aser sheni outside Jerusalem, the fulfillment of mitzvot is not an act of personal benefit. should not be taken, lest one cause it to become susceptible to contracting ritual impurity. However, if it was taken, it is kosher.

לוּלָב שֶׁנִּקְטַם רֹאשׁוֹ פָּסוּל. נִסְדַּק אִם נִתְרַחֲקוּ שְׁנֵי סְדָקָיו זֶה מִזֶּה עַד שֶׁיֵּרָאוּ כִּשְׁנַיִם פָּסוּל. הָיָה עָקוּם לְפָנָיו שֶׁהֲרֵי שְׁדֵרוֹ כְּגַב בַּעַל חֲטוֹטֶרֶת פָּסוּל. הָיָה עָקוּם לַאֲחוֹרָיו כָּשֵׁר שֶׁזּוֹ הִיא בְּרִיָּתוֹ. נֶעֱקַם לְאֶחָד מִצְּדָדָיו פָּסוּל. נִפְרְדוּ עָלָיו זֶה מֵעַל זֶה וְלֹא נִדַּלְדְּלוּ כַּעֲלֵי הַחֲרָיוֹת כָּשֵׁר. נִפְרְצוּ עָלָיו וְהוּא שֶׁיִּדַּלְדְּלוּ מִשְּׁדֵרוֹ שֶׁל לוּלָב כַּעֲלֵי הַחֲרָיוֹת פָּסוּל:

A lulav whose tip and Rabbenu Manoach, this refers to the center leaf that extends outward from the shidrah, and not the shidrah itself. Rabbenu Asher and the Ra'avad explain that this refers to the majority of the lulav's leaves, and the Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 645:6) quotes their opinion. However, the Ramah quotes the Maggid Mishneh's statements. becomes cut off is unacceptable. 3:1). All the other factors mentioned in this halachah disqualify a lulav for the same reason. Should it become split to the extent that the two sides of the split become severed and appear to be two, it is unacceptable. 31b, 32a states: A lulav which is split is kosher; [but] if it is like a fork, it is not. The commentaries explain that the Talmud refers to a shape like a tuning fork, where the two ends are distant from each other. The commentaries explain that such a separation can disqualify a lulav even if the majority of leaves are not split in this manner, and hence, the principles mentioned in the following halachah would not apply.If it is bent forward would be bent toward a person facing it so that its shidrah appears like a hunchback, it is unacceptable. (ibid.) states: If it is bent like a scythe, it is unacceptable. The Kessef Mishneh emphasizes that the bend must be severe (as described by the examples given by the Talmud and the Rambam). However, a slight curve will not disqualify a lulav. If it is bent backwards, it is kosher, since that is its natural pattern of growth. 645:19). The Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 645:9) differentiates between when the shidrah bends gradually and when it is bent over to the extent that its tip points downward. In the latter case, even if it is bent backwards, the lulav is unacceptable. If it is bent toward either side, it is unacceptable. (ibid.) questions whether such a lulav is kosher or not and leaves the matter unresolved. Hence, we follow the more stringent view (Rav Yitzchak Alfasi).If its leaves have separated one from the other, but they have not begun to hang downward like the top of a date palm, 3:1). it is kosher.). However, if its leaves have burst open and they hang down from the shidrah as does the top of the date palm, it is unacceptable. 645:2).

בְּרִיַּת עָלִין שֶׁל לוּלָב כָּךְ הִיא. כְּשֶׁהֵם גְּדֵלִין גְּדֵלִין שְׁנַיִם שְׁנַיִם וּדְבוּקִין מִגַּבָּן וְגַב כָּל שְׁנֵי עָלִין הַדְּבוּקִין הוּא הַנִּקְרָא תְּיֹמֶת. נֶחְלְקָה הַתְּיֹמֶת פָּסוּל. הָיוּ עָלָיו אַחַת אַחַת מִתְּחִלַּת בְּרִיָּתוֹ ולֹא הָיָה לָהֶם תְּיֹמֶת פָּסוּל. לֹא הָיוּ עָלָיו זֶה עַל גַּב זֶה כְּדֶרֶךְ כָּל הַלּוּלָבִין אֶלָּא זֶה תַּחַת זֶה אִם רֹאשׁ זֶה מַגִּיעַ לָעִקָּר שֶׁלְּמַעְלָה מִמֶּנּוּ עַד שֶׁנִּמְצָא כָּל שְׁדֵרוֹ שֶׁל לוּלָב מְכֻסֶּה בְּעָלִין כָּשֵׁר. וְאִם אֵין רֹאשׁוֹ שֶׁל זֶה מַגִּיעַ לְצַד עִקָּרוֹ שֶׁל זֶה פָּסוּל:

The natural pattern of growth of the leaves of the lulav is that two grow in pairs, connected at their back. The back of each pair of connected leaves is called the tiyomet. If the tiyomet is split, it unacceptable. explains that the Rambam maintains that the lulav is not acceptable only if the majority of the leaves are split. However, others (Rashi, Tosafot) explain that this law refers to the middle leaf alone. If the majority of that leaf is split, the lulav is unacceptable. The Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 645:3) quotes the Rambam's opinion, while the Ramah favors that of Rashi and Tosafot. Should a lulav's leaves grow individually from the beginning of its formation without having a tiyomet, it is unacceptable. is a natural phenomenon or is brought about through human activity; in all cases it is unacceptable.When a lulav's leaves do not grow on top of the other like all lulavim, but rather one below the other, [the following rules apply:] If the top [of the lower leaf] reaches the base of the one above it so that the entire shidrah of the lulav is covered with leaves, it is kosher. mentioned in the Mishnah (Sukkah 3:1). Sukkah 32b relates that such lulavim grow at the entrance to Gehinnom. If the top [of the lower leaf] does not reach the base of the one above it, it is unacceptable.

הֲדַס שֶׁנִּקְטַם רֹאשׁוֹ כָּשֵׁר. נָשְׁרוּ רֹב עָלָיו אִם נִשְׁתַּיְּרוּ שְׁלֹשָׁה עָלִין בְּקֵן אֶחָד כָּשֵׁר. הָיוּ עֲנָבָיו מְרֻבּוֹת מֵעָלָיו אִם יְרֻקּוֹת כָּשֵׁר וְאִם אֲדֻמּוֹת אוֹ שְׁחוֹרוֹת פָּסוּל. וְאִם מִעֲטָן כָּשֵׁר. וְאֵין מְמַעֲטִין אוֹתָן בְּיוֹם טוֹב לְפִי שֶׁהוּא כִּמְתַקֵּן. עָבַר וְלִקְּטָן אוֹ שֶׁלִּקְּטָן אֶחָד אֶחָד לַאֲכִילָה הֲרֵי זֶה כָּשֵׁר:

A myrtle branch whose top is cut off is acceptable. 3:2) states that such a myrtle is unacceptable, the Talmud (Sukkah 34b) states that the halachah follows Rabbi Tarfon, whose opinion is quoted by the Rambam in this halachah.In his commentary on this halachah, the Ra'avad states:For a number of years, the spirit of prophecy has been present in our chamber of study, and we have determined that [such a myrtle] is not acceptable.The Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 646:10) quotes the Rambam's opinion. However, the Ramah writes that it is proper to adhere to the Ra'avad's view if possible. However, he quotes Rabbenu Nissim, who maintains that the top of a myrtle is only considered to be "cut off" when the top of the branch is broken. The leaves' falling off is not considered of significance. Even though most of its leaves have fallen off, it is kosher, provided three leaves remain in one row. explains that this refers to an Egyptian myrtle, which has seven leaves in each row. Rabbenu Manoach explains that this clause refers to the entire myrtle branch, stating that even though most of its leaves have fallen off, as long as it has one full row of leaves covering the branch (at its top, as in Chapter 7, Halachah 8), it is kosher.The Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 646:4) quotes the Maggid Mishneh's statements as halachah. In contrast, Rabbenu Manoach's interpretation is not accepted. Halachah 5 (ibid.) states that the majority of the length of the myrtle branch must be covered with leaves. However, if that condition is met, the myrtle is kosher even if the leaves at its top have fallen off.When there are more berries than leaves, [the following rules apply:] If they are green, it is kosher. If they are red or black, it is not acceptable. 33b). If one reduced their number, it is acceptable. We may not reduce their number on the holiday itself, because [by doing so, one] makes [the myrtle] fit for use. 4:8.) However... If one transgressed and removed them or removed them one by one to eat them, 33b states that permission is granted, provided only that one has another myrtle to use for the mitzvah. Otherwise, it is forbidden to eat the berries, because through one's activity one will definitely make the myrtle fit for use. Hence, even though one's act was motivated by another intention as well, it is forbidden. (See Shulchan Aruch HaRav 646:13.)The Maggid Mishneh quotes a slightly different version of the text, substituting "or if they were removed by another person" for the phrase "removed them one by one." Authentic Yemenite manuscripts of the Mishneh Torah follow the Maggid Mishneh's text. it is kosher.

עֲרָבָה שֶׁנִּקְטַם רֹאשָׁהּ כְּשֵׁרָה. נִפְרְצוּ עָלֶיהָ פְּסוּלָה:

A willow branch whose top is cut off is kosher. (Orach Chayim 647:2) also states that such a willow is unacceptable. If its leaves have burst open, it is not acceptable.

אֶתְרוֹג שֶׁנִּקַּב נֶקֶב מְפֻלָּשׁ כָּל שֶׁהוּא פָּסוּל. וְשֶׁאֵינוֹ מְפֻלָּשׁ אִם הָיָה כְּאִיסָר אוֹ יֶתֶר פָּסוּל. חָסֵר כָּל שֶׁהוּא פָּסוּל. נִטַּל דָּדוֹ וְהוּא הָרֹאשׁ הַקָּטָן שֶׁשּׁוֹשַׁנְתּוֹ בּוֹ פָּסוּל. נִטַּל הָעֵץ שֶׁהוּא תָּלוּי בּוֹ בָּאִילָן מֵעִקַּר הָאֶתְרוֹג וְנִשְׁאַר מְקוֹמוֹ גּוּמָא פָּסוּל. עָלְתָה חֲזָזִית עָלָיו אִם בִּשְׁנַיִם וּשְׁלֹשָׁה מְקוֹמוֹת פָּסוּל. וְאִם בְּמָקוֹם אֶחָד אִם עָלְתָה עַל רֻבּוֹ פָּסוּל. וְאִם עַל דָּדוֹ וַאֲפִלּוּ כָּל שֶׁהוּא פָּסוּל. נִקְלַף הַקְּרוּם הַחִיצוֹנָה שֶׁלּוֹ שֶׁאֵינוֹ מְחַסְּרוֹ אֶלָּא נִשְׁאָר יָרֹק כְּמוֹת שֶׁהִיא בְּרִיָּתוֹ אִם נִקְלַף כֻּלּוֹ פָּסוּל וְאִם נִשְׁאַר מִמֶּנּוּ כָּל שֶׁהוּא כָּשֵׁר:

If an etrog is perforated from side to side (Orach Chayim 648:3) quotes both opinions. Regarding halachah l'ma'aseh, the authorities recommend heeding Rabbenu Asher's opinion. However, they state that when it is difficult to find a kosher etrog, the Rambam's opinion may be relied upon. - no matter how small the hole is - it is not acceptable. 3:6). The Rambam's text reads:If [an etrog] was perforated, peeled, cracked, or lacking even the slightest amount of its substance, it is unacceptable.In contrast, the Ra'avad's text read:If [an etrog] was perforated, peeled, cracked: when it lacks even the slightest amount of its substance, it is unacceptable.The Shulchan Aruch (ibid. 2) follows the Rambam's view. The Ramah writes that when it is difficult to find another kosher etrog, one may rely on the Ra'avad's view. When [the hole] does not go from side to side, if it is the size of an isar 3:6). or more, 36a). [the etrog] is not acceptable. If [a hole was made in an etrog which caused] even the slightest amount [of the etrog] to be missing, [the etrog] is not acceptable. of the etrog's substance must be missing. In this and in the previous case, the same decisions of the Shulchan Aruch and the Ramah mentioned above apply.If its pitam differentiates between the stem of the pitam and its tip from which its flower grew, maintaining that only the removal of the former disqualifies the etrog for use. The Ramah (ibid. 7) quotes this opinion as halachah. However, he suggests trying to use an etrog whose pitam is entirely complete. - i.e., the small protrusion from which its flower grows - was removed, it is not acceptable., as many etrogim do (Rabbenu Manoach; Ramah, ibid.). [Similarly,] if the stem from which it hangs from the tree is removed from the etrog itself and a hole is left, it is not acceptable.If it becomes covered with bumps in two or three places, quotes many examples of the use of similar terminology throughout the Talmud. It must be noted that the Rambam, in his commentary on the Mishnah (ibid.), and the Shulchan Aruch HaRav (648:19) mention only two places. it is not acceptable. 35b). Even if it is covered with bumps in only one place,, ibid.). if that place covers the majority of the etrog's surface area, 648:13 also disqualifies an etrog if there is a line of bumps that covers the majority of the etrog's circumference from any point on its surface.it is not acceptable. [Similarly,] if a bump grows on even the slightest portion of the pitam - See the Rambam's Commentary on the Mishnah, ibid.it is not acceptable - because a blemish on the pitam is very obvious and unattractive.Sukkah (ibid.) states: "if a bump grows on the etrog's nose, it is not acceptable." The Rambam interprets "nose" as referring to the pitam. However, Rabbenu Asher and others explain that it refers to the portion of the etrog which begins to narrow as it approaches the pitam. The Shulchan Aruch (ibid. 9) accepts the latter view.If its peel is removed without causing [the etrog] to lose any substance and it remains greenish yellow as in its natural state - i.e, only the outer coating of the peel was removed and the thick, white inner peel is not yet revealed. Should this peel be revealed, the etrog is considered as though it has lost some of its substance (Rambam, Commentary on the Mishnah, ibid.).[the following rules apply:] If the peel was entirely removed, it is not acceptable. - for the attractiveness of the etrog will begin to decrease without any possibility of its returning to its original state (Levush 586:6)If even the slightest portion of the original peel remains - the peel could have regenerated itself if it had remained connected to the tree (Levush, ibid.). Therefore,...it is kosher. - Tosafot, Sukkah 36a maintains that at least a portion of the original peel equivalent to a sela (a large silver coin) must remain. The Shulchan Aruch (ibid. 6) follows the Rambam's opinion. it is not acceptable. [Similarly,] if a bump grows on even the slightest portion of the pitam, it is not acceptable.If its peel is removed without causing [the etrog] to lose any substance and it remains greenish yellow as in its natural state, [the following rules apply:] If the peel was entirely removed, it is not acceptable. If even the slightest portion of the original peel remains, it is kosher.

אֶתְרוֹג שֶׁהוּא תָּפוּחַ סָרוּחַ כָּבוּשׁ שָׁלוּק שָׁחֹר לָבָן מְנֻמָּר יָרֹק כְּכַרְתִּי פָּסוּל. גִּדְּלוֹ בִּדְפוּס וְעָשָׂהוּ כְּמִין בְּרִיָּה אַחֶרֶת פָּסוּל. עָשָׂהוּ כְּמִין בְּרִיָּתוֹ אַף עַל פִּי שֶׁעָשָׂהוּ דַּפִּין דַּפִּין כָּשֵׁר. הַתִּיוֹם וְהַבֹּסֶר כָּשֵׁר. מָקוֹם שֶׁהָאֶתְרוֹגִין שֶׁלָּהֶם כְּעֵין שַׁחֲרוּת מְעוּטָה כְּשֵׁרִין. וְאִם הָיוּ שְׁחוֹרִים בְּיוֹתֵר כְּאָדָם כּוּשִׁי הֲרֵי זֶה פָּסוּל בְּכָל מָקוֹם:

An etrog which is inflated, 648:15). decaying, 36b, the Ba'al Halachot Gedolot writes that "inflated" and "decaying" etrogim are disqualified only when the blemish is externally visible. However, if the blemish is only internal, they are kosher. (See Shulchan Aruch (ibid. 4) and commentaries.) pickled, (ibid. 15) defines "pickled" as "placed in vinegar." However, the Magen Avraham (648:22) maintains that "pickled" should be interpreted according to its definition in the Shulchan Aruch, Yoreh De'ah (105:1-2). Thus, if an etrog has been soaked in water or in any other liquid for more than 24 hours straight, it is considered to be "pickled" and disqualified for use. One should take care regarding this matter when soaking etrogim to preserve their freshness. cooked, black, white, spotted,, ibid. 16). or green like a leek is unacceptable.If it was grown in a mold and shaped into the form of another creation, it is unacceptable. If its natural form was preserved, even though it was shaped in different layers, it is kosher. Two etrogim that grow joined together, (ibid. 20) accepts this decision, there are other authorities who differ. Hence, it is preferable to use another etrog (Mishnah Berurah 648:63). and an unripe etrog are kosher. 31b mentions etrogim which are small and green as being not fully ripe. However, since the Rambam mentioned those factors previously, it appears that here the intent is different and refers to a fruit that is not yet ready to be eaten, even though it is as large as an egg and has begun to turn yellow. (See also Sukkah 36a.)In places where the etrogim grow naturally with a slight black tinge, it is kosher. 36a) states that if such an etrog is brought to a place where etrogim of a normal color grow, it may not be used. However, if [the etrogim] are very black 34b). - i.e., like a Kushite - they are unacceptable everywhere.

כָּל אֵלּוּ שֶׁאָמַרְנוּ שֶׁהֵם פְּסוּלִין מִפְּנֵי מוּמִין שֶׁבֵּאַרְנוּ אוֹ מִפְּנֵי גֵּזֶל וּגְנֵבָה בְּיוֹם טוֹב רִאשׁוֹן בִּלְבַד אֲבָל בְּיוֹם טוֹב שֵׁנִי עִם שְׁאָר הַיָּמִים הַכּל כָּשֵׁר. וְהַפַּסְלָנוּת שֶׁהוּא מִשּׁוּם עֲבוֹדַת כּוֹכָבִים אוֹ מִפְּנֵי שֶׁאוֹתוֹ אֶתְרוֹג אָסוּר בַּאֲכִילָה בֵּין בְּיוֹם טוֹב רִאשׁוֹן בֵּין בִּשְׁאָר יָמִים פָּסוּל:

All the species which we categorized as unacceptable because of the blemishes we described 36b relates that Rabbi Chanina would eat from an etrog and then use it for the mitzvah. Though an etrog which is lacking even the slightest amount of its substance may not be used (Halachah 7), he still fulfilled his obligation with it. From this incident, our Sages concluded that, on the later days, even such an etrog is kosher.According to the Rambam's opinion, the same applies to all other physical blemishes on the species. Since there is no greater blemish than an etrog which is bitten into, none of the requirements for "beauty" must be observed on the later days.Nevertheless, Tosafot, Sukkah 29b and Rabbenu Asher maintain that this leniency applies only to etrogim which are lacking in substance. All the species which were disqualified because they are not "beautiful" may not be used on the later days as well. Though the Shulchan Aruch 649:5 quotes the Rambam, the Magen Avraham (649:17) and the Taz (649:9) quote the other view. or because they were stolen or taken by force explains that even according to the Rambam, a blessing should not be recited when performing the mitzvah in this fashion. are [disqualified for use] only on the first day of the festival. (ibid.) quotes the Rambam, while the Ramah follows the other view.[Though the above explanation is frequently used, it is difficult to accept. First, in his Commentary on the Mishnah (Sukkah 3:1), the Rambam mentions the reason of מצוה הבאה בעבירה. Also, in Hilchot Chametz U'matzah 6:7 and in Hilchot Issurei Mizbe'ach 5:7 and 5:9, he forbids the use of stolen articles for the performance of a commandment. In addition, he has not yet mentioned the halachah requiring one to own the lulav used on the first day.The Taz (649:15) clarifies the matter slightly further by explaining that since taking the lulav on the second day is only a Rabbinic commandment, using a stolen lulav is allowed even though it is a מצוה הבאה בעבירה.] On the second day of the festival).Rabbenu Asher differs and maintains that all the restrictions that apply to the lulav on the first day must also be observed on the second day as well. The Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 649:5) writes that all the species disqualified on the first day may be taken on the second day, but a blessing should not be recited. and on the other days,, when all opinions agree that... they are all kosher. Those which are disqualified because of the association with idol worship or because the etrog is forbidden to be eaten are unacceptable both on the first day and on the later days.

אֵין אָדָם יוֹצֵא בְּיוֹם טוֹב רִאשׁוֹן שֶׁל חַג בְּלוּלָבוֹ שֶׁל חֲבֵרוֹ שֶׁיִּשְׁאָלֶנּוּ מִמֶּנּוּ עַד שֶׁיִּתְּנֶנּוּ לוֹ בְּמַתָּנָה. נְתָנוֹ לוֹ עַל מְנָת לְהַחֲזִירוֹ הֲרֵי זֶה יוֹצֵא בּוֹ יְדֵי חוֹבָתוֹ וּמַחֲזִירוֹ. שֶׁמַּתָּנָה עַל מְנָת לְהַחֲזִיר שְׁמָהּ מַתָּנָה. וְאִם לֹא הֶחְזִירוֹ לֹא יָצָא שֶׁנִּמְצָא כְּגָזוּל. וְאֵין נוֹתְנִין אוֹתוֹ לְקָטָן שֶׁהַקָּטָן קוֹנֶה וְאֵינוֹ מַקְנֶה לַאֲחֵרִים מִן הַתּוֹרָה וְנִמְצָא שֶׁאִם הֶחְזִירוֹ לוֹ אֵינוֹ חוֹזֵר. וְאֶחָד הַלּוּלָב וְאֶחָד כָּל מִין וָמִין מֵאַרְבַּע מִינִין שֶׁבּוֹ אִם הָיָה אֶחָד מֵהֶן שָׁאוּל אֵין יוֹצְאִין בּוֹ בְּיוֹם טוֹב רִאשׁוֹן:

On the first day of the festival, a person cannot fulfill his obligation by using a lulav that belongs to a colleague and was borrowed from him, 41b).As mentioned in Chapter 5, Halachah 25, a borrowed sukkah may be used on the holiday. Though Deuteronomy 16:13 states "Celebrate the Sukkot holiday for yourself for seven days." In this context, only a stolen sukkah is disqualified and a borrowed sukkah is permitted (Sukkah 27b).Since in both cases, the source for the exclusion is the same phrase, one might ask why the laws pertaining to each are different. Many explain that since, as explained in the commentary to that halachah, the Torah includes a special verse to teach us that a borrowed sukkah is permitted, the scope of the exclusion implied by "for yourself" is limited.The Shulchan Aruch HaRav 637:3 explains that since the person owning the sukkah grants his colleague the use of it, the borrowed sukkah can be considered "as his own." Since a person has to treat a sukkah as his permanent dwelling for the seven days of the holiday, it follows that the sukkah was lent for that purpose. Thus, while a person is using it, he may consider it "as his own," i.e., just like his own dwelling. See Likkutei Sichot, Vol. 19. unless the latter gives it to him as a present. 3:11).If [the owner of the lulav] gives it to him as a present on the condition 3:8.) that he return it, he may fulfill his obligation with it and return it, (Orach Chayim 658:5) states that even if the owner gives a colleague a lulav without making such a statement, it is assumed that the lulav was given subject to this condition. because a present given on condition that it be returned is considered a present. 3:9. If he does not return it, he does not fulfill his obligation, because it is as though it were stolen., ibid.).[On the first day,], ibid. 6) a lulav should not be given to a minor, 3:10), which relates that Rav Nachman bar Ya'akov gave his etrog as a present to his son and told him: "When you take possession of it and fulfill the mitzvah, return it to me." Nevertheless, the passage does not serve as conclusive proof, because the possibility exists that his son had already reached majority. The Shulchan Aruch (ibid. 6) follows the Rambam's view. since, according to Torah law, a minor can acquire articles 4:7). but cannot transfer them to others. Thus, [the minor's] return of the article is not considered to be a return [from a legal perspective]. (Hilchot Meshichah 2) notes that according to Rabbinic law, a child can transfer property that he owns to another. Thus, the Rambam's statements seem to imply that any of the four species that are acquired only according to Rabbinic law may not be used for this mitzvah.A very practical point can be derived from this concept. According to Torah law, property that is purchased changes ownership only after it has been paid for. The completion of a transaction when the property are taken by the purchaser (meshichah) is a Rabbinic institution. Accordingly, if a person purchased a lulav and etrog on the condition that he pay for it after the holiday - even though the seller willingly consented - the purchaser has only acquired the lulav and etrog according to Rabbinic law. Thus, based on this halachah, he would not be able to use it for the mitzvah.The above applies to the lulav and to each of the other species of the four taken with it. If one of them was borrowed, the person does not fulfill his obligation on the first day of the festival.

שֻׁתָּפִין שֶׁקָּנוּ לוּלָב אוֹ אֶתְרוֹג בְּשֻׁתָּפוּת אֵין אֶחָד מֵהֶן יוֹצֵא בּוֹ יְדֵי חוֹבָתוֹ בָּרִאשׁוֹן עַד שֶׁיִּתֵּן לוֹ חֶלְקוֹ בְּמַתָּנָה. הָאַחִין שֶׁקָּנוּ אֶתְרוֹגִין מִתְּפִיסַת הַבַּיִת וְנָטַל אֶחָד מֵהֶן אֶתְרוֹג וְיָצָא בּוֹ. אִם יָכוֹל לְאָכְלוֹ וְאֵין הָאַחִין מַקְפִּידִין בְּכָךְ יָצָא. וְאִם הָיוּ מַקְפִּידִין לֹא יָצָא עַד שֶׁיִּתְּנוּ לוֹ חֶלְקָם בְּמַתָּנָה. וְאִם קָנָה זֶה אֶתְרוֹג וְזֶה פָּרִישׁ אוֹ שֶׁקָּנוּ כְּאֶחָד אֶתְרוֹג וְרִמּוֹן וּפָרִישׁ מִתְּפִיסַת הַבַּיִת אֵינוֹ יוֹצֵא בָּאֶתְרוֹג עַד שֶׁיִּתֵּן לוֹ חֶלְקוֹ בְּמַתָּנָה וְאַף עַל פִּי שֶׁאִם אֲכָלוֹ אֵין מַקְפִּידִין עָלָיו:

When partners purchase a lulav or etrog together, neither is able to fulfill his obligation with it on the first [day of the festival] 137b relates that the requirement of owning a lulav includes not only having a share in it, but rather owning it entirely. unless his colleague gives him his portion as a present. mentions a very frequent application of this concept: a lulav and etrog purchased by a synagogue for the use of all of its members. He quotes the Rashba, who explains that since the etrog was purchased with the intent that it be used by each member of that community, implicit in their agreement is that, on the first day, it will belong to each individual entirely at the time he uses it to fulfill the mitzvah.The Ramah (Orach Chayim 648:7) quotes this statement as halachah. However, the Magen Avraham 648:10 raises questions concerning it and suggests that each member of the community should grant his colleague his share as a present.Should brothers purchase etrogim from the funds [of their father's] estate, which they have not divided yet: (ibid.), from which the above principle is derived. In such an instance, the estate is considered to be the mutual property of all the brothers concerned. If one of them takes an etrog with the intent of fulfilling his obligation, [the following rules apply:] If he could eat it without the other brothers objecting, he has fulfilled his obligation. If they would object, he does not fulfill his obligation until they give him their share [in the etrog] as a present.If one brother bought an etrog and another a quince, or together they bought an etrog, a pomegranate, and a quince from the funds [of their father's] estate, which they have not divided yet, one cannot fulfill one's obligation with the etrog until the others give him their share [in it] as a present, even though they would not object to his [use of it].

אַף עַל פִּי שֶׁכָּל הַמּוֹעֲדוֹת מִצְוָה לִשְׂמֹחַ בָּהֶן. בְּחַג הַסֻּכּוֹת הָיְתָה בַּמִּקְדָּשׁ יוֹם שִׂמְחָה יְתֵרָה שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (ויקרא כג מ) "וּשְׂמַחְתֶּם לִפְנֵי ה' אֱלֹהֵיכֶם שִׁבְעַת יָמִים". וְכֵיצַד הָיוּ עוֹשִׂין. עֶרֶב יוֹם טוֹב הָרִאשׁוֹן הָיוּ מְתַקְּנִין בַּמִּקְדָּשׁ מָקוֹם לַנָּשִׁים מִלְּמַעְלָה וְלָאֲנָשִׁים מִלְּמַטָּה כְּדֵי שֶׁלֹּא יִתְעָרְבוּ אֵלּוּ עִם אֵלּוּ. וּמַתְחִילִין לִשְׂמֹחַ מִמּוֹצָאֵי יוֹם טוֹב הָרִאשׁוֹן. וְכֵן בְּכָל יוֹם וְיוֹם מִימֵי חֻלּוֹ שֶׁל מוֹעֵד מַתְחִילִין מֵאַחַר שֶׁיַּקְרִיבוּ תָּמִיד שֶׁל בֵּין הָעַרְבַּיִם לִשְׂמֹחַ לִשְׁאָר הַיּוֹם עִם כָּל הַלַּיְלָה:

Even though it is a mitzvah to rejoice on all the festivals, 4b explains that an analogy is established to include Pesach as well. there was an additional celebration in the Temple on the festival of Sukkot, 5:1) refers to this celebration as Simchat Beit Hasho'evah, connecting it with the drawing of water for the water libation. (See Hilchot T'midim Umusafim 10:6-10.) Indeed, the Talmud (Sukkah 50b; see also the Rambam's commentary on the above-mentioned Mishnah) emphasizes that connection, quoting Isaiah 12:3: "And you shall draw water with happiness." However, here, the Rambam makes no mention of that water at all!We are forced to say that the Rambam views the verse from Isaiah as a mere asmachtah (an allusion from the Bible with which our Sages connected a verse to an independent concept) and that the celebration came about because of the unique nature of the Sukkot festival. Though this celebration was associated with the water libation, the latter is not the source for the practice. Indeed, the choice of the name Simchat Beit HaSho'evah (the celebration of the house of drawing the water), and not Simchat Hasho'evah (the celebration of the drawing of the water) allows for such an interpretation. (Likkutei Sichot, Vol. XVII). as [Leviticus 23:40] commands: "And you shall rejoice before God, your Lord, for seven days." (Positive Commandment 54), the Rambam describes that mitzvah and explains that it includes "to celebrate with musical instruments and to dance in the Temple....This is Simchat Beit Hasho'evah."This explanation resolves another question: Mo'ed Kattan 8b teaches that one celebration should not be interposed upon another. For this reason, weddings are not held during the festivals so that the wedding celebrations should not clash with those of the festival.Thus, were one to consider the celebration of Simchat Beit Hasho'evah as associated with the water offering, one might ask why the Sages instituted such a celebration which might appear to overshadow the celebration of the festival itself. However, the above explanation resolves this difficulty as well, for as stated above, the Simchat Beit Hasho'evah celebration is an extension of the festival celebrations and not an independent matter. (See Likkutei Sichot, ibid.)What was done? On the eve of the first day of the festival,)b) Preparing the courtyard before the festival would allow the celebrations to begin immediately after the departure of the festival (Kinat Eliyahu). they would set up a place in the Temple - the women's courtyard - because in contrast to the Temple courtyard, women were allowed to enter the Ezrat Nashim even when they were not offering sacrifices. The Rambam describes the Ezrat Nashim in Hilchot Beit Habechirah 5:7. where women [could watch] from above, and men from below, so they would not intermingle with each other. 51b).The celebration would begin on the night after the first day of the festival. Similarly, on each day of Chol Hamo'ed, after offering the daily afternoon sacrifice, they would begin to celebrate for the rest of the day and throughout the night. 53a quotes Rabbi Yehoshua ben Chananyah as saying: "While we were celebrating at Simchat Beit Hasho'evah, our eyes saw no sleep."

וְהֵיאַךְ הָיְתָה שִׂמְחָה זוֹ. הֶחָלִיל מַכֶּה וּמְנַגְּנִין בְּכִנּוֹר וּבִנְבָלִים וּבִמְצִלְתַּיִם וְכָל אֶחָד וְאֶחָד בִּכְלֵי שִׁיר שֶׁהוּא יוֹדֵעַ לְנַגֵּן בּוֹ. וּמִי שֶׁיּוֹדֵעַ בַּפֶּה בַּפֶּה. וְרוֹקְדִין וּמְסַפְּקִין וּמְטַפְּחִין וּמְפַזְּזִין וּמְכַרְכְּרִין כָּל אֶחָד וְאֶחָד כְּמוֹ שֶׁיּוֹדֵעַ וְאוֹמְרִים דִּבְרֵי שִׁירוֹת וְתֻשְׁבָּחוֹת. וְשִׂמְחָה זוֹ אֵינָהּ דּוֹחָה לֹא אֶת הַשַּׁבָּת וְלֹא אֶת יוֹם טוֹב:

What was the nature of this celebration? 5:1-2) states:Whoever has not seen Simchat Beit Hasho'evah has never seen rejoicing in his life!...There were golden candelabras....There was not a courtyard in Jerusalem that was not illuminated with the light of Beit Hasho'evah.The pious and men of stature would dance before them with torches of fire in their hands and recite songs of praise. The Levites would play the harps, lutes, cymbals, and all other types of instruments on the steps...leading down from the Israelites' courtyard. The flute would be sounded 5:1), which states: "The flute, for five or six days; this was the flute of Beit Hasho'evah," it appears that this was the major element of the celebration. and songs played on the harp, lute, and cymbals. [In addition,] each person would play on the instrument which he knew. Those who could sing, would sing. They would dance and clap their hands, letting loose and whistling, each individual in the manner which he knew. Words of song and praise were recited.This celebration does not supersede either the Sabbath or the festival [prohibitions]. 23:4).The celebration is an extension of a Torah commandment, while the above prohibition is only Rabbinic in nature. Furthermore, it was held in the Temple, where Rabbinic prohibitions of this nature were usually suspended (אין שבות במקדש, Pesachim 65a). Nevertheless, since there is no specific Torah obligation to celebrate in this manner, the celebrations were suspended because of the Rabbinic prohibition (Likkutei Sichot, ibid.).

מִצְוָה לְהַרְבּוֹת בְּשִׂמְחָה זוֹ. וְלֹא הָיוּ עוֹשִׂין אוֹתָהּ עַמֵּי הָאָרֶץ וְכָל מִי שֶׁיִּרְצֶה. אֶלָּא גְּדוֹלֵי חַכְמֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל וְרָאשֵׁי הַיְשִׁיבוֹת וְהַסַּנְהֶדְרִין וְהַחֲסִידִים וְהַזְּקֵנִים וְאַנְשֵׁי מַעֲשֶׂה הֵם שֶׁהָיוּ מְרַקְּדִין וּמְסַפְּקִין וּמְנַגְּנִין וּמְשַׂמְּחִין בַּמִּקְדָּשׁ בִּימֵי חַג הַסֻּכּוֹת. אֲבָל כָּל הָעָם הָאֲנָשִׁים וְהַנָּשִׁים כֻּלָּן בָּאִין לִרְאוֹת וְלִשְׁמֹעַ:

It is a great mitzvah to maximize this celebration. The common people and anyone who desired would not perform [in these celebrations]; only the greatest of Israel's wise men: the Rashei Yeshivot, the members of the high court, the pious, the elders, and the men of stature. They were those who would dance, clap their hands, sing, and rejoice in the Temple on the days of the festival of Sukkot. 53a relates how Hillel the Elder would rejoice at Simchat Beit Hasho'evah. Other Sages would also participate. For example, Rabban Shimon ben Gamliel would juggle eight torches of fire and bow down so low he could kiss the ground. The Jerusalem Talmud (Sukkah 5:3) relates how Rabbi Shimon ben Yehotzedek would perform unique feats of jumping. However, the entire people - the men and the women - would come to see and hear.

הַשִּׂמְחָה שֶׁיִּשְׂמַח אָדָם בַּעֲשִׂיַּת הַמִּצְוָה וּבְאַהֲבַת הָאֵל שֶׁצִּוָּה בָּהֶן. עֲבוֹדָה גְּדוֹלָה הִיא. וְכָל הַמּוֹנֵעַ עַצְמוֹ מִשִּׂמְחָה זוֹ רָאוּי לְהִפָּרַע מִמֶּנּוּ שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (דברים כח מז) "תַּחַת אֲשֶׁר לֹא עָבַדְתָּ אֶת ה' אֱלֹהֶיךָ בְּשִׂמְחָה וּבְטוּב לֵבָב". וְכָל הַמֵּגִיס דַּעְתּוֹ וְחוֹלֵק כָּבוֹד לְעַצְמוֹ וּמִתְכַּבֵּד בְּעֵינָיו בִּמְקוֹמוֹת אֵלּוּ חוֹטֵא וְשׁוֹטֶה. וְעַל זֶה הִזְהִיר שְׁלֹמֹה וְאָמַר (משלי כה ו) "אַל תִּתְהַדַּר לִפְנֵי מֶלֶךְ". וְכָל הַמַּשְׁפִּיל עַצְמוֹ וּמֵקֵל גּוּפוֹ בִּמְקוֹמוֹת אֵלּוּ הוּא הַגָּדוֹל הַמְכֻבָּד הָעוֹבֵד מֵאַהֲבָה. וְכֵן דָּוִד מֶלֶךְ יִשְׂרָאֵל אָמַר (שמואל ב ו כב) "וּנְקַלֹּתִי עוֹד מִזֹּאת וְהָיִיתִי שָׁפָל בְּעֵינָי". וְאֵין הַגְּדֻלָּה וְהַכָּבוֹד אֶלָּא לִשְׂמֹחַ לִפְנֵי ה' שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר (שמואל ב ו טז) "וְהַמֶּלֶךְ דָּוִד מְפַזֵּז וּמְכַרְכֵּר לִפְנֵי ה'": סָלִיק הִלְכוֹת שׁוֹפָּר סֻכָּה וְלוּלָב

The happiness with which a person should rejoice in the fulfillment of the mitzvot and the love of God who commanded them is a great service. Whoever holds himself back from this rejoicing is worthy of retribution, as [Deuteronomy 28:47] states: "...because you did not serve God, your Lord, with happiness and a glad, Rabbi Yitzchak Luria, explains that even though the punishment comes for the sins, had the Jewish people served God with true joy and happiness, that happiness would have caused Him to overlook those transgressions, regardless of how serious they were. In contrast, a lack of happiness in the performance of the mitzvot demonstrates a deficiency in the person's awareness of the connection to God established thereby. heart."Whoever holds himself proud, giving himself honor, and acts haughtily in such situations is a sinner and a fool. Concerning this, Solomon warned [Proverbs 28:10]: "Do not seek glory before the King."[In contrast,] anyone who lowers himself and thinks lightly of his person in these situations is [truly] a great person, worthy of honor, who serves God out of love., Chapter 10. Thus, David, King of Israel, declared [II Samuel 6:22]: "I will hold myself even more lightly esteemed than this and be humble in my eyes," because there is no greatness or honor other than celebrating before God, as [II Samuel 6:16] states: "King David was dancing wildly and whistling before God." - these ideas also apply to every Jew. When an individual is conscious of God's constant presence, he will naturally be infused with these two emotions. He will feel his own smallness in God's presence, yet he will also feel real joy at the knowledge that God is with him at every moment, and that through his service of Torah and mitzvot, he can develop a greater connection with Him.May our service of God with joy hasten the time when "crowned with eternal joy" (Isaiah 35:10 , we will be able to "rejoice before God, your Lord, for seven days," in the Messianic Temple. May we merit it, speedily, in our days.