What was the source for the arava willow branches brought daily to the Beit Hamikdash during the Succot festival?

The answer is a small settlement just outside Jerusalem that was called Motza and sometimes referred to as Kalania. Both of these names refer to the special status that the government gave to this community by exempting it from taxes.

While todays residents of this attractive suburb of the Israeli capital are no longer exempt from taxes, their area still yields a bountiful crop of aravot which Jews use for the mitzvah of the four species on Succot.

© 1995-2024 Ohr Somayach International - All rights reserved.

Articles may be distributed to another person intact without prior permission. We also encourage you to include this material in other publications, such as synagogue or school newsletters. Hardcopy or electronic. However, we ask that you contact us beforehand for permission in advance at ohr@ohr.edu and credit for the source as Ohr Somayach Institutions www.ohr.edu