Why the 'Yemenite' Ethrogh, How We Wave the Lulav
NOTE THE FOLLOWING CORRECTION (was quite tired when making this video): I wasn't fully clear that, per our tradition, the "koichkalakh" dividers are problematic DESPITE the tradition that "מין במינו אינו חוצץ" -- that the plant fibers are not a disqualifying separation within the bundle. RaMBaM clearly understands that to be in regards leaves of myrtle that might get stuck between the Lulav and the other branches of the 3-species bundle (see Hil. Sukkah we-Lulav 9,12). It does not mean they would have approved of a divided holding-case of palm fiber. Is it possible they would have indeed considered that a proper form of "agudah" -- binding together? Perhaps, maybe. But there is a good reason to doubt, so we err on the side of caution in this Torah Commandment, and only bind those branches together in the simplest way. Here is the Talmudic source for the ethrogh's ability to grow so huge: In Bab. Talmud tr. Sukkah 36b, we learn how Rabbi Aqivah once brought his ethrogh to synagogue, one so large that he carried it on his shoulder! Love and respect to our Jewish brothers of every ancient tradition -- we are not perfect, and learn much from you as well.
NOTE THE FOLLOWING CORRECTION (was quite tired when making this video): I wasn't fully clear that, per our tradition, the "koichkalakh" dividers are problematic DESPITE the tradition that "מין במינו אינו חוצץ" -- that the plant fibers are not a disqualifying separation within the bundle. RaMBaM clearly understands that to be in regards leaves of myrtle that might get stuck between the Lulav and the other branches of the 3-species bundle (see Hil. Sukkah we-Lulav 9,12). It does not mean they would have approved of a divided holding-case of palm fiber. Is it possible they would have indeed considered that a proper form of "agudah" -- binding together? Perhaps, maybe. But there is a good reason to doubt, so we err on the side of caution in this Torah Commandment, and only bind those branches together in the simplest way. Here is the Talmudic source for the ethrogh's ability to grow so huge: In Bab. Talmud tr. Sukkah 36b, we learn how Rabbi Aqivah once brought his ethrogh to synagogue, one so large that he carried it on his shoulder! Love and respect to our Jewish brothers of every ancient tradition -- we are not perfect, and learn much from you as well.