Oketz/Stem:[1] What is the Oketz: The Oketz is the stem from which the Esrog grows from on the tree. If the Oketz was removed from the Esrog in a way that none of it remained on the Esrog, hence creating a grooved area, the Esrog is invalid.[2] [Furthermore even if […]
The Pitam
Pitam:[1] What is a Pitam: Many Esrogim grow a wood stem protruding on their top called the pitam or the dad. In many the Pitam begins to grow from within the inside of the esrog. In others it grows from its very top on its outside. On the dad/pitam […]
Ripe/Size/Color
Ripe/Size/color: Size: An esrog’s minimum size is a kebeytza, which is approximately 56 grams. (ibid/29) Green:[1] An Esrog which has not yet ripened to the point that part of it has begun to turn yellow is Pasul unless one is sure that the Esrog will reach this stage. The custom […]
Shape
Shape:[1] An esrog which does not have the general esrog shape, (i.e. round esrog), is Pasul. [1] 648/28 Bookmark
Soaked or Cooked
Cooked or soaked in water:[1] A cooked Esrog is Pasul. Therefore an esrog which stayed submerged in water, or other liquids for over 24 hours is considered cooked and is Pasul. [1] 648/25 Bookmark
Smell
Fowl odor:[1] An esrog with a bad stench is invalid. [1] 648/24 Bookmark
Color changes & Blisters
Blisters and color change:[1] A Chazazis and a color change in the Esrog receive the following laws:[2] What is defined as a color change: Admur brings different types of color changes: A change of color that occurred after part of the rind of the Esrog peeled off.[3] A natural […]
Removing random leaves
Random leaves which grow wild on the Hadas:[1] Small random leaves which grow on the Hadas (not part of a set) are to be cut off. [1] Piskeiy Teshuvos 646/9 Bookmark
Cracks
A cracked Esrog:[1] Crack on the length:[2] A cracked Esrog is only invalid if all the following apply: The crack reaches from to top to bottom The depth of the crack is at least majority of the thick white flesh. If the crack is not this deep throughout the entire […]
Dryness
Dryness:[1] If the leaves of a Hadas have dried, the Hadas is invalid.[2] If however it is not Halachicly considered dry, even though the leaves have withered, it still remains valid. What is the definition of dry?[3] If the leaves have dried to the point that they can be […]
