When it comes to finding a nice esrog, there is also a disqualification of chaiser – missing.
What is the source for the disqualification of chaiser? Tosfos (34b) states that we learn this from the word וּלְ קַ חְ תֶּ ם, which is explained to mean that a person must take the four minim completely, and a half-job is worthless. This includes the requirement to take all four, and it is all or nothing. It also includes the requirement to take a complete esrog.
Chaiser – a disqualification on the 1st day or all the days?
However, Tosfos raises the following question: there seems to be a difference between these two requirements. The requirement of taking all four species is applicable to the entire Sukkos, whereas the requirement to take a complete esrog is only for the 1st day.
Interestingly, we also find this concept in regards to the requirement of lachem, owning the four species, where there is a similar discrepancy and some requirements learned from this pasuk apply to the entire Sukkos, and some are only for the 1st day.
As we know, on the first day of Sukkos one must own the lulav and esrog, in order to fulfill the mitzvah. However, the rest of Sukkos, one may use a borrowed lulav and esrog. This is learned from the word “lachem,” it must be yours. On the other hand, we find that an esrog from an arla tree – the first three years of the tree, when one may not derive any benefit from the fruits – is disqualified the entire Sukkos. This regulation is also learned from the word “lachem” – it must be usable for all your needs. The question is obvious: when is it disqualified for the entire Sukkos and when is it limited to the first day?
Tosfos in the beginning of the perek addresses this very question, and explains that the rule of thumb is as follows: Taking the four species on the first day of Sukkos is a Scriptural requirement and all of the regulations apply. However, the other days, it is only a Scriptural requirement in the Beis Hamikdash; today it is a rabbinical mandate, in order to remember the Beis Hamikdash.
Tosfos, therefore, suggests that the only regulations that were stipulated by the chachamim in regards to the other days were the ones that are built in to the actual taking of the four species. Hence, the requirement to take all four and having hadar is required throughout Sukkos, but an esrog which is choseir and is just missing a part or a borrowed lulav and esrog is only disqualified on the first day.
One important point to add is that although a chaiser is kosher on the other days, the Raavad and the Bikurei Yaakov, among others, posit that it is still better to try to use a shaleim. This is not because of the requirement of hadar; rather it is because of the regulation of “v’anveihu,” which is the general requirement to beautify mitzvos.
In conclusion
An esrog which is choseir and is just missing a part is only considered a disqualification on the first day, and can be used on the other days of Sukkos.
by Rabbi Nachum Scheiner
