Does removal of the pitma (oketz/tip stem) invalidate the etrog?

SukkotFour Species

Synopsis

The Mechaber: removing the small tip-head (dad/shushanta) invalidates. The Rema: some are stringent if the pitma (outer flowering remnant) is removed. Practically: removal of the wooden stem (shushanta) is the invalidating act; the pitma itself is debated. If it never had a pitma, the etrog is valid.

Early Acharonim
Lenient
Strict
Lesser cited
Major authority

Discussion

Discussion coming soon.

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