Aravot: Difference between revisions

# If most of the leaves of an aravah dried out to the extent that they lost their green color, the aravah is pasul. If, however, the leaves only withered and did not completely dry out, the aravah may still be used.<Ref> The Mishna (33b) writes that a dry aravah is disqualified, while a withered one is valid. The Rif (16a), Rambam (8:1), and Rosh (3:13) all codify this Mishna as halacha. To clarify the boundary described by the Mishna, Rambam explains that an aravah is valid as long as it is not completely dry. Tur and Shulchan Aruch (647:2) codify this as the halacha. Mishna Brurah (647:7) and Chazon Ovadia (p. 317) clarify that an aravah is disqualified once a majority of its leaves have become dried out. Shaar Hatziyun (647:6) quotes Bikkurei Yaakov, who says that to be considered dried out an aravah must lose all of its green color. Chazon Ovadia, however, says that the aravah must turn white.</ref>

# If a majority of the leaves fall off the aravah, it is invalid.<ref> The Mishna (33b) states that if a minority of an aravah’s leaves fall off, it remains valid. The Rosh (3:13) infers that if a majority of the leaves fall off, the aravah will be invalid. The Tur (647:1), however, cites the Baal HaItur as saying that as long as one leaf remains attached, the aravah is still usable. Shulchan Aruch (647:2) rules in accordance with the Rosh. Mishna Brurah (647:9) clarifies that this will only invalidate the aravah if a majority of the leaves within the minimum 3 tefachim fall off. Chazon Ovadia (p. 318) writes that there is no difference between the leaves falling off on their own and someone pulling them off. </ref>

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