Halocho #1165 - Tell me about the Haddas - Myrtle?

On Sukkoth there's a Mitzvah to shake the four species; a Lulav, 3 Haddasim, 2 Aravot and an Etrog.

Each Haddas is a branch of a myrtle bush, and must be at least 3 Tefachim (24 cm - 10") long.

Myrtle leaves grow on stems in groups of three or more. A Kosher Haddas needs to be Meshulash; with each group of leaves growing out of the branch at exactly the same height.

Preferably the Haddas should be Meshulash its entire length, though it's Kosher if only the top half is Meshulash.

The entire Haddas needs to be covered in leaves, the top of the lower leaves must reach the bottom of the higher ones.

Myrtle bushes have berries growing on them. A Haddas should not have any berries on it; berries should be removed (with their stems) before Yom Tov.

Make sure that the top of the Haddas is not cut off, it usually ends in a set of tiny leaves.

Haddasim need to be kept fresh; dried out Haddasim are not Kosher.

 Source: Shulchan Aruch 646.

 Ktiva Vechatima Tova; wishing you a year full of good news,

 - Danny
 Tuesday, 14 Elul 5773

Please daven for the complete recovery of a little boy recovering from lymphoma: יוֹנָתָן-שִׂמְחָה בֶּן לֵאָה-רִבְקָה