1. Sharing Arba Minim for Mivtzaim
The question was raised in Shulchan Menachem—a collection of the Rebbe’s responses—chapter 321: Is there any issue with many people using the same set of arba minim—the four species—for the mitzvah during Sukkos? The Rebbe famously encouraged that during Yom Tov and Chol HaMoed, people should go out and give as many Jews as possible the opportunity to make a blessing on the lulav and esrog. This was especially important for those who might not own a set, or who are not interested or aware of the mitzvah, such as Jews who are not religiously observant.
The practical question arose: Where should one obtain the sets needed for this outreach? Should special sets be purchased, or can one use their own?
2. The Rebbe’s Guidance and Precedent
The Rebbe responded with surprise at the question, pointing out that most people involved in this mitzvah campaign either have their own set or have access through a relative. The Rebbe suggested simply using one’s own set for others to fulfill the mitzvah. He noted that his father-in-law, the Previous Rebbe, would regularly allow many people to use his personal arba minim to make a blessing. There is no halachic problem with sharing your set in this way.
3. Chassidic Stories and Hiddur Mitzvah
A story is told about a Chassidic master, such as the Munkatcher Rebbe, who would routinely allow others to use his lulav and esrog. When asked about concerns that repeated handling might diminish the beauty (hiddur) of the esrog, he replied that there is nothing more beautiful than an esrog used by so many Jews to fulfill a mitzvah. The true beauty comes from enabling others to participate in the mitzvah.
4. Halachic Considerations: Truma and General Use
The Rebbe referenced a discussion in Gemara Sukkah regarding an esrog of truma tehorah—ritually pure produce designated for priests—where there is indeed a concern about it being ruined through frequent use, since it must remain intact for its sanctity. However, outside of such specific cases, there is no problem with multiple people using one set of arba minim.
5. Assumptions About Borrowing for Mitzvos
This principle extends beyond Sukkos: When entering a shul, if you need to borrow someone else’s tallis or tefillin, unless you know that person is particular about their property, we assume they are happy for their items to be used for a mitzvah. Most people are pleased when their possessions help another Jew perform a mitzvah.
6. Unity Through Shared Mitzvos
The Rebbe emphasized that even though some individuals may be protective of their lulav and esrog, halacha generally follows majority practice regarding monetary matters. More importantly, when it comes to mitzvos—especially those like daled minim, which symbolize Jewish unity by bringing together all types of Jews—it is certain that most people would be glad to have others participate using their set.
1. Sharing Arba Minim for Mivtzaim: The question was raised in Shulchan Menachem, a collection of the Rebbe's responses (chapter 321): Is there any issue with many people using the same set of arba minim—the four species—for the mitzvah during Sukkos? The Rebbe famously encouraged that during Yom Tov and Chol HaMoed, people should go out and give as many Jews as possible the opportunity to make a blessing on the lulav and esrog. This was especially important for those who might not own a set, or who are not interested or aware of the mitzvah, such as Jews who are not religiously observant. The practical question arose: Where should one obtain the sets needed for this outreach? Should special sets be purchased, or can one use their own?
2. The Rebbe's Guidance and Precedent: The Rebbe responded with surprise at the question, pointing out that most people involved in this mitzvah campaign either have their own set or have access through a relative. The Rebbe suggested simply using one's own set for others to fulfill the mitzvah. He noted that his father-in-law, the Previous Rebbe, would regularly allow many people to use his personal arba minim to make a blessing. There is no halachic problem with sharing your set in this way.
3. Chassidic Stories and Hiddur Mitzvah: A story is told about a Chassidic master, such as the Munkatcher Rebbe, who would routinely allow others to use his lulav and esrog. When asked about concerns that repeated handling might diminish the beauty (hiddur) of the esrog, he replied that there is nothing more beautiful than an esrog used by so many Jews to fulfill a mitzvah. The true beauty comes from enabling others to participate in the mitzvah.
4. Halachic Considerations: Truma and General Use: The Rebbe referenced a discussion in Gemara Sukkah regarding an esrog of truma tehorah—ritually pure produce designated for priests—where there is indeed a concern about it being ruined through frequent use, since it must remain intact for its sanctity. However, outside of such specific cases, there is no problem with multiple people using one set of arba minim.
5. Assumptions About Borrowing for Mitzvos: This principle extends beyond Sukkos: When entering a shul, if you need to borrow someone else's tallis or tefillin, unless you know that person is particular about their property, we assume they are happy for their items to be used for a mitzvah. Most people are pleased when their possessions help another Jew perform a mitzvah.
6. Unity Through Shared Mitzvos: The Rebbe emphasized that even though some individuals may be protective of their lulav and esrog, halacha generally follows majority practice regarding monetary matters. More importantly, when it comes to mitzvos—especially those like daled minim, which symbolize Jewish unity by bringing together all types of Jews—it is certain that most people would be glad to have others participate using their set.
Summary
This shiur teaches that sharing one's arba minim so others can perform the mitzvah is not only permitted but encouraged by halacha and Chassidic tradition; it fosters unity among Jews and enhances the beauty of fulfilling G‑d's commandments together.