Motza
  Selections from classical Torah sources which express the special relationship between the People of Israel and Eretz Yisrael MOTZA This small settlement just outside Jerusalem is mentioned in the Talmud (Mesechta Succah 45a) as the source of the aravah willow branches that were brought daily to the Beit Hamikdash during the Succot Festival and placed alongside the altar. This place was also known as Kalania, both names referring to the special status it enjoyed of being exempt from government taxes. Motza is an attractive suburb of the capital, and home of an old Jerusalem winery. Its numerous aravah willow trees continue to supply the branches used by Jerusalemites for the fulfillment of the mitzvot on Succot. |
Written by Rabbi Mendel Weinbach, Dean, Ohr Somayach Institutions
General Editor: Rabbi Moshe Newman
HTML Production: Eli Ballon
HTML Design: Michael Treblow
© 2000 Ohr Somayach International - All rights reserved. This publication may be distributed to another person intact without prior permission. We also encourage you to include this material in other publications, such as synagogue newsletters. However, we ask that you contact us beforehand for permission, and then send us a sample issue.
This publication is available via E-Mail
Ohr Somayach Institutions is an international network of Yeshivot and outreach centers, with branches in North America, Europe, South Africa and South America. The Central Campus in Jerusalem provides a full range of educational services for over 685 full-time students.
The Jewish Learning Exchange (JLE) of Ohr Somayach offers summer and winter programs in Israel that attract hundreds of university students from around the world for 3 to 8 weeks of study and touring.
Copyright © 2000 Ohr Somayach International.
Send us Feedback.
