![]() ![]() Soloveitchik suggested, based upon this Rambam, that just as one must ask “permission” to eat by reciting a blessing, one must ask “permission” to perform a mitzva. One may even attempt to equate the birkot ha- mitzva with birkot ha-nehenin, blessings that permit one to eat (see Rambam, Hilkhot Berakhot 1:3). Alternatively, we might suggest that reciting the berakha prepares us for the performance of the mitzva, similar to the practice of those who say “ hineni mukhan…” before doing a mitzva. What is the reason that the blessing must precede the mitzva? This question may relate to a broader and more fundamental question: Why did the Rabbis insist that one recite a blessing upon performing a mitzva at all? Seemingly, one might suggest that the blessings recited before doing a mitzva are similar to birkot ha-shevach, blessings of praise recited after experiencing an occurrence worthy of giving praise. Although the gemara implies that the blessing must be recited before the mitzva, and some Rishonim, such as a the Rambam ( Hilkhot Berakhot 11:5-7), rule that one may not recite the blessing after one has already fulfilled the mitzva, the Or Zaru’a (1:25) writes that if one forgets to recite the blessing before the mitzva, one may recite it after performing the mitzva. The gemara ( Pesachim 7a) teaches that “one should recite the blessing before performing a mitzva” ( kol ha-berakhot mevarekh aleihen over le-asiytan). One of the central issues relevant to the laws of these berakhot relates to the proper time and manner of reciting a birkat ha- mitzva. The gemara and Rishonim grapple with questions such as the proper text or formula for a blessing and interruptions between the blessing and the performance of a mitzva. ![]() In numerous contexts, the Talmud discusses the blessings recited before performing mitzvot. The Proper Manner of Reciting the Blessing over the Arba Minim This week, we will discuss the proper time to recite the blessing over the four minim and whether the fulfillment of the mitzva entails waving or simply holding onto the arba minim. We discussed whether – and why – one should bind the species together, and whether they must even be taken together or may be taken separately, one after the other. We also reviewed the basic physical requirements of the four minim and the halakhot of lakhem, hadar, and chaser.Īlthough the Torah commands that one take all four minim and the Rishonim assume that taking the four minim constitutes one mitzva, as opposed to four separate mitzvot, the halakha grapples with the relationship between these four minim. We discussed whether these two mitzvot differ only quantitatively, or qualitatively as well. Outside of the Beit Ha-Mikdash, they are taken only on the first day, as it says, “And you shall take for yourselves on the first day” (ibid.). We noted that mi-de’oraita, the arba minim are taken for all seven days in the Beit Ha-Mikdash, fulfilling the verse, “And you shall rejoice before the Lord your God seven days” ( Vayikra 23:40). Last week, we introduced the mitzva of “ u-lekachtem,” taking the four minim on Sukkot. Revava - The Riva Koschitzky z"l Torah Enrichment Program.Publications: Philosophy and Current Affairs.It’s part of our video series on Sukkot: The Ultimate Shelter.Show - Main navigation Hide - Main navigation Torah Live has produced a video guide of the most pertinent laws one needs to know in order to buy the arba minim. There’s a lot more to learn about choosing kosher arba minim. These halachos are just the tip of the iceberg. Dry Aravos are not valid so it’s best to buy some extras and keep them refrigerated so you can switch to fresh aravos over the span of the holiday. If the leaves are not even with each other, this hadas cannot be used to fulfill the mitzvah. A hadas must have three leaves coming out of every level. According to Ashkenazi custom, if most of the middle leaf is split the lulav is invalid. It’s important to check that the middle leaf of the lulav is not split down the middle. An esrog needs to have two kinds of hechsherim in order to be fit for use on Sukkot. But choosing arba minim is actually more complicated than just picking the best-looking ones there are many laws you need to know. When you choose your lulav, esrog, hadas and aravah, you’ll naturally gravitate toward the ones that look the nicest. Now that Sukkot is around the corner, it’s time to think about purchasing your arba minim (four species). ![]()
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