Study Sukkah folio 31B with parallel Hebrew-English text, traditional commentary, and modern study tools. Free access to Babylonian Talmud online.
involving city dwellers who lived in an area distant from the region where the 4 species grow, who would bequeath their lulavim to their grandchildren, even though they were completely dry. The rabbis said to him: Is there proof from there that species that are dry remain fit for use? Actions take
In any event, the Tosefta teaches that R' Yehuda says: Even dry species are fit for use in fulfilling the mitzva. What, is it not referring to an etrog as well, indicating that in his opinion an etrog does not require beauty? No, he was stating only that a dry lulav is fit for use.
The Master stated in the baraita cited above: Just as one may not diminish from their number, so too, one may not add to their number. The Talmud asks: That is obvious. Why would it be permitted to add an additional species? The Talmud answers: Lest you say: Since R' Yehuda said that a lulav requir
The Master stated in the baraita cited above: If one cannot find an etrog, he may not bring a pomegranate, a quince, or anything else instead. The Talmud wonders: This is obvious. The Talmud answers: Lest you say: He should bring these fruits so that the halakhic category of the etrog will not be f
The Talmud proposes: Come and hear another proof that, with regard to an etrog, R' Yehuda does not require beauty: An old etrog is unfit. R' Yehuda deems it fit. This is a conclusive refutation of the opinion of Rava, who holds that everyone agrees that an etrog requires beauty. The Talmud conclude