Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Some interesting facts about Aravos

This article is intended for informational purposes only. If you have any questions regarding your Aravos or any of your Daled Minim, a halachic authority should be consulted:

One of the Simanim that the Shulchan Aruch discusses with regard to Aravos is that it should have a red stem. The Mishna Berura writes that you do not need to be concerned with Aravos that do not have a red stem. You just have to make sure it comes from a plant that grows a red stem, and that it can be red. Most Aravos start with a red stem and turn green from the sun

The Pri Megadim writes that an Arava needs all three Simanim that the Shulchan Aruch discusses.

An Arava that its top is chopped off or is very dry is Posul and should not be used. The Sharei Teshuva brings down an Elya Raba, which says that if the top of the Arava is chopped off and you do not have another one it may be used. The Rambam also says that an Arava which had its top chopped off is Kosher. The Mishna Berura writes that being that nowadays there is an abundance of Aravos we should not rely on the Rambam.


How Big Should an Arava Be?
The Shulchan Aruch writes that the minimum Shiur for an Arava is three Tefachim. Some have the custom on Hoshana Raba to use extremely tall Aravos. Some attribute this custom because the Gemara in Sukka (45a) writes that the Kohanim would place the Aravos at the side of the Mizbaeach (altar) and their tips were bent over the altar. They were 11 Amos tall

If you have any questions regarding this article or if you would like to order aravos online please e-mail info@aravos.com or aravoscanada@gmail.com (Canadian orders)

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