Hadasim

What are Hadasim?

1. In reference to the triple-leaved hadas the Torah states "a thickly-leaved branch." Its leaves hide its stem, and the leaves grow in a formation along the stem, with clusters of three parallel leaves growing, each from its own petiole, around the stem at short intervals. The feature of each cluster of leaves growing from one level along the branch's stem, is imperative for the mitzvah because the branch is invalid without it. according to the Talmud, the hadas must be meshulash. However, it is not necessary that each of the three petioles grows at exactly the same level. It is sufficient if at least art of each of the three petioles meets the stem at the same level. For example, if each petiole is 2 millimeters in diameter, and one petiole is 1 millimeter higher than the second one and almost 2 millimeters higher than the third, the three leaves are considered to be growing at the same level.
2. Therefore, a hadas that has only two leaves growing at each level on its stem is invalid for the mitzvah.

Which Hadasim are best?

1. It is best to choose hadasim that have many leaves close together so that the stem is completely covered by the leaves.

How big are the leaves of Hadasim?

1. The individual leaves of the hadasim should be approximately the size of the thumbnail. Some Poskim rule that if a hadas has large, wide leaves it is a hadas shote and is invalid for the performance of the mitzvah.

Does a severed tip of a hadas invalidate it?

1. If the tip of the stem of the hadas was broken or cut off it is still kosher and one may recite the beracha over it.Nevertheless, it is best that hadasim have their tips intact.

What is the minimum length of a hadas?

1. According to Maran, a hadas must be at least three tefachim or 20 centimeters long. However, other poskim maintain that the minimum length of a hadas is 24 centimeters. It is recommended that one choose hadasim that are at least 24 centimeters long in order to fulfill the mitzvah according to all poskim.