From the Rav’s Desk: 1) How many Tzitzis strings are Biblically required 2) Cutting a plastic ziplock strap on Shabbos/Yom Tov 3) Xmass decorations in Sukkah 4) Dry Aravos 5) Women saying Hallel/Hoshanos with Daled Minim

1. Question: [Sunday, 16^th Tishreiy 5780]

My child was playing with plastic straps used for tying Sukkos, also known as plastic handcuffs, and closed it over her wrist. It is loose enough to not be of danger but I cant slide it off. May I cut it on Shabbos?

Answer:

Yes.

The reason: In general, plastic is viewed as a non-sturdy material which may be destroyed on Shabbos for a Shabbos need. Now, although this material is strong and can last a long time, nevertheless sit is viewed as temporary and disposable and is usually used for short term purposes. Thus, it would fall under the above allowance to break on Shabbos.

Sources: See Admur 314:1; 16-18; Piskeiy Teshuvos 317 footnote 135 [permits]; Meishiv Nefesh p. 90 [leaves with Tzaruch Iyun]

2. Question: [Monday, 17^th Tishreiy 5780]

Min Hatorah, how many strings must be tied to the corner of the Tzitzis for it to be Kosher. I am asking because I learned in today’s Rambam that there is no Shiur, which I thought was quite strange.

Answer:

Practically, it is implied from the Poskim that we rule that Biblically four strings are required, which are then folded into eight strings. However, the Rambam is of the opinion that this is only Rabbinically required. The Poskim indeed question this ruling of the Rambam and explain it in different ways.

Sources: See Admur 11:1; Menachos 39b; Tur 11; Rashi and Tosafus Menachos 38a; Taz 11:13; Rosh Tzitzis 6; Kesef Mishneh on Rambam Tzitzis 1:1 “It is implied from Menachos 39b that the number of strings is Biblical. Vetzaruch Iyun” Opinion of Rambam: See Rambam Tzitzis 1:1; Kesef Mishneh on Rambam ibid and Beis Yosef 11 who explains him to be saying that its only Rabbinical, although concludes with a Tzaruch Iyun, as brought above; Beis Yaakov of Rav Yaakov Beirav p. 52 that even according to the Rambam its Biblical; Birkeiy Yosef 13

3. Question: [Monday, 17^th Tishreiy 5780]

Are women to say Hallel with a Lulav and do Hoshanos. I am single and have my own Lulav set and would like to know if I can/should do the Lulav also during Hallel and Hoshanos just like a man?

Answer:

From the letter of the law, a woman may likewise hold the Lulav and shake it by Hallel, however, some write that this should not be done for Kabalistically based reasons. Practically, it is not the widespread custom for women to do so, although this is due to that usually they do not have their own set of Lulav. Practically, whatever one chooses to do is fine. Regarding Hoshanos, seemingly its recital [even without a Lulav] is relevant more for men, although nevertheless women may choose to say it if they wish.

Sources: See Rav Poalim 1 Sod Yesharim 12 based on Kabala; Eitz Hasadeh 568:11; Meorei Or 3 p. 69; Teshuvos Vehanhagos 1:385; Nitei Gavriel 41:2; Piskeiy Teshuvos 655:3

4. Question: [Monday, 17^th Tishreiy 5780]

My Aravos are dry and withered. Are they still Kosher?

Answer:

Yes, so long as the leaves have not dried to the point that they have turned whitish, they remain Kosher.

Sources: Admur 647:7

5. Question: [Monday, 17^th Tishreiy 5780]

May I use Xmass decorations for my Sukkah?

Answer:

Yes. The decorations do not become prohibited in use unless they are purchased second hand after being used by the church and the like. Their simple manufacturing does not prohibit them. Thus, one may purchase bulbs and lights for one’s Sukkah from a store even if it is also purchased for the gentile holiday decorations. Nonetheless, one should not use decorations that are distinct in use for the gentile holidays in areas that those gentiles are found. 

Sources: See Shevet Halevi 2:57 based on Temurah 29a, Chasam Sofer O.C. 42; See regarding Hazmanah Lav Milsa Hi: Admur 42:4 and 6; Michaber 42:1; Brachos 23b; Sanhedrin 48a; Mordechai Megilah 819; Nimukei Yosef Sanhedrin end of chapter 6; See regarding not using ornaments of idolatry: Michaber Y.D. 139:13; O.C. 154:11; See M”B 494:10 in name of Gr”a and Chayeh Adam, that the custom of placing plants and trees in shuls and homes on Shavuos was abolished due to it being similar to the gentiles, referring to the Christian festivals.