What to Look for In Hadassim (the myrtle twigs)

1. An ideal myrtle twig should feature the following: the leaves should be green; there should be three leaves in an even row on each stem; the leaves should be upright, covering the stem and the twig must be at least a little more than three handbreadths in length.

2. Furthermore, the three leaves on each row should reach up to where they just overlap the bottom of the next upper row. And this feature should be evident for a length of three handbreadths - from the top of the twig.

3. If the myrtle leaves are dry; if a number of leaves fell off; if the top part of the twig was cut off; or if branch twigs are growing off the main twig - in all of these cases one should consult with a Rabbinic authority to determine if the hadassim are valid.

4. Three hadassim are required for the performance ofthe mitzvah. However, if only one valid myrtle twig is available, one can still fulfill his obligation with it.