Q&A: Hadar in the Myrtle
Hadar in the Myrtle
Question
It is explained in the Talmud that according to Rabbi Tarfon there is no requirement of hadar in the myrtle, and therefore Rabbi Tarfon deems a myrtle with its top cut off valid. I wanted to know: why specifically with the myrtle is there no requirement of hadar? And according to this, it would seem that a dried-out myrtle should also be valid, so perhaps the distinction is between a disqualification in the leaves and a disqualification in the branch?
Answer
First, that is only according to the view of Rashi and the Bartenura. Nachmanides in Milchamot and the Rosh wrote that with a myrtle the cutting-off is not noticeable, which implies that there is a requirement of hadar for the myrtle as well.
And in Ma’amar Mordechai, Orach Chayim 646:1, he raised this question against Rashi and answered that according to his view, even a dried-out myrtle is valid according to Rabbi Tarfon.
And see Shulchan Arukh, Orach Chayim 646:10, that if its top has dried out it is valid, similar to when it was cut off. And see the commentaries there.