1. The Kosher Size of Hadas Leaves
The question arises regarding the size of the leaves on the hadasim—myrtles—used for the mitzvah. Specifically, what if the leaves are unusually large? Are such hadasim still kosher? This is a matter discussed by various commentaries, including the Tzemach Tzedek, and addressed by the Rebbe.
The Rebbe explains that when Torah discusses measurements in this context, it refers to a mid-size leaf—not extremely large, nor particularly small. The standard is an average-sized leaf, known as tarfo de’as. There are different opinions about what this means: some say it should be the size of a thumb’s nail or the middle section of the thumb. There is a range of views and much discussion in the sources.
Importantly, unless there is a specific halachic requirement for a minimum or maximum size, we follow this average measurement. The Rebbe notes that just as with an esrog—citrus fruit—where there isn’t always a strict size requirement for kashrus, so too with hadasim: as long as they are within the average range, they are acceptable.
2. Determining Measurements and Halachic Principles
The Rebbe further elaborates that in general, when halacha refers to measurements for mitzvos like hadasim, it means an average or typical size found among people. There may be exceptions where a minimum or maximum is specified, but otherwise, we use what is considered normal or standard in that context.
This principle applies not only to hadasim but also to other mitzvos where measurements are relevant. The details can become more involved and are discussed at length in halachic works; for full clarity one should consult those sources directly.
3. How Many Hadasim Should Be Used?
The standard practice is to use three hadasim for fulfilling the mitzvah. However, the Rebbe points out that adding more than three is praiseworthy: kol hamarbeh masifin lo—whoever increases is praised. There are various traditions regarding exactly how many to add beyond three.
In Chabad custom (Nusach Chabad), it is common to add at least another three hadasim beyond the basic three required by halacha, making a total of six (three plus three). This practice reflects an emphasis on beautifying the mitzvah (hiddur mitzvah).
4. Traditions and Numbers Beyond Three Hadasim
The Rebbe relates that he heard instructions given to different individuals to take varying numbers of hadasim: four, twelve, thirteen, or even twenty-six. These numbers have significance in different communities and traditions.
However, he notes that he never heard of taking nine hadasim—nine does not seem to be a customary number and may be considered incomplete (one less than ten). Similarly, numbers like sixty-eight or sixty-nine are mentioned elsewhere but were not part of what he received as tradition.
The idea seems to be that while increasing beyond three is meritorious, certain numbers have specific meaning or precedent while others do not.
5. Large Numbers and Historical Practices
The practice of adding many hadasim has historical roots; people would sometimes bring up to seventy hadasim corresponding to bowls brought with sacrifices (korbanos). There is thus precedent for using large numbers of myrtle branches as part of enhancing the mitzvah.
The Rebbe himself would use many hadasim in his set but did not specify an exact number publicly. The main point remains: increasing beyond three is positive and rooted in tradition, but certain numbers carry particular significance while others do not appear in established custom.
This shiur addresses the question of what size hadas (myrtle) leaves are considered kosher for use in the mitzvah. If the leaves are unusually large, are they still valid? The Rebbe explains that Torah measurements refer to a mid-size leaf—not extremely large or particularly small. The standard is an average-sized leaf, known as tarfo de’as. Opinions differ: some say it should be the size of a thumb’s nail or its middle section. Unless halacha sets a minimum or maximum, we follow this average measurement. Just as with an esrog, where there isn’t always a strict size requirement, so too with hadasim: as long as they are within the average range, they are acceptable.
The Rebbe further elaborates that when halacha refers to measurements for mitzvos like hadasim, it means an average or typical size found among people. Exceptions exist where a minimum or maximum is specified, but otherwise, we use what is considered normal or standard in context. This principle applies to other mitzvos involving measurements as well. For full clarity on details, one should consult halachic sources directly.
Regarding how many hadasim should be used: the standard practice is three for fulfilling the mitzvah. However, adding more than three is praiseworthy—kol hamarbeh masifin lo (whoever increases is praised). Chabad custom (Nusach Chabad) often adds at least another three beyond the basic three required by halacha, making six total. This reflects an emphasis on beautifying the mitzvah (hiddur mitzvah).
The Rebbe relates that he heard instructions given to different individuals to take varying numbers of hadasim: four, twelve, thirteen, or even twenty-six. These numbers have significance in various communities and traditions. He notes never hearing of taking nine hadasim—nine does not seem customary and may be considered incomplete (one less than ten). Numbers like sixty-eight or sixty-nine are mentioned elsewhere but were not part of his received tradition. While increasing beyond three is meritorious, certain numbers have specific meaning or precedent while others do not.
The practice of adding many hadasim has historical roots; people would sometimes bring up to seventy hadasim corresponding to bowls brought with sacrifices (korbanos). There is precedent for using large numbers to enhance the mitzvah. The Rebbe himself would use many hadasim but did not specify an exact number publicly. The main point remains: increasing beyond three is positive and rooted in tradition, but certain numbers carry particular significance while others do not appear in established custom.
Summary
This shiur teaches that while three hadasim fulfill the basic mitzvah requirement, adding more enhances its beauty—especially when following established customs regarding specific numbers. The kosher size follows average standards unless halacha states otherwise.