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(continued)
– The Torah commands us to take a “beautiful fruit [Etrog].” Through Talmudic methodology, the Sages deduced that the requirement of obtaining a beautiful fruit applies to the other three species as well. Therefore, while we will be discussing various issues which can invalidate the Four Species, it is also important to choose specimens which are fresh and aesthetically pleasing. “Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder,” so no two people will share the exact same taste when choosing their Four Species.
“Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder,” so no two people will share the exact same taste when choosing their Four Species
The Lulav (Palm Branch)
– The lulav’s leaves are naturally doubled, with the two halves of each leaf folded over and connected to each other. The middle leaf on the very top of the lulav is quite crucial, for if it is significantly divided then the entire lulav is invalid. If, however, it is only slightly divided it is still kosher—but ideally you should try to purchase a lulav whose middle leaf is complete.
Discoloration only invalidates an etrog if it is noticeable when taking a precursory glance at the fruit; there is no need to closely examine it for this purpose
The Aravot (Willow Branches)– Aravot are often quite long and must be trimmed in order to fit the lulav. Care must be taken that they are trimmed from their bottoms, not their tops.
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