On Sukkot, one must take a bunch of branches – which includes the etrog (citron), a palm branch (lulav), two willow branches (aravot), and three myrtle branches (hadassim). One waves them in all six directions. The four types of branches or fruit have similar laws, but the teacher enumerates them separately because of some differences between them. One should preferably procure the best.
The willow branch – if it is stolen – is invalid. That is because the Torah said, “Take for yourself,” which means – it should be yours, not stolen. If the willow branch is dried out, it is also invalid because it is no longer beautiful.
If one cuts off a branch from a tree that was grown to worship it, it is invalid. As an object of idol worship, it should be burned, and therefore even now, it is regarded as having zero dimensions, whereas a certain minimal size is required. However, if it only withered or a portion of its leaves fell off, it remains valid.
Earlier, we mentioned how many of each type is required. However, Rabbi Akiva has a different logic: just as citron and palm branch are one, willow and myrtle must also be one. What about the first teacher? – He derives the required numbers from the spelling of their names.
Art: Large Citron in a Landscape by Bartolommeo Bimbi
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