Before discussing the halachic issue of a missing "pitom" it is necessary to review the basic parts of an etrog. The stem of the etrog is called the "oketz", the upper tip is called the "pitom" and the flat part above that tip is called the "shoshanta."
From a halachic perspective, the same rules would apply to a missing "oketz" as to a missing "pitom." However, because the "pitom" is more fragile it is generally of the greatest concern.
On the first day of Sukkot, since the mitzva of lulav and etrog is Biblical in origin (the remaining days were only rabbinically required as a reminder of how the mitzva was observed in the Temple), if the "pitom" is completely detached - leaving only a cavity where it once was - the etrog cannot be used [Shulchan Aruch Orech Chaim 648:8]. However, if only the "shoshanta" is missing, but if the upper tip remains the etrog can be used [ibid. 648:7]. Nevertheless, if a different, complete, etrog is available, it is preferred.
For the days of Chol haMoed, according to many poskim an etrog with a detached "pitom" may be used [Biur Halacha, ibid. "shinui"; Chaim u'Bracha 197]. However, even then there are halachic authorities who still recommend using a different etrog [Ra"n; Pri Megadim Eshel Avraham ibid. note 17; Chayei Adam 151].
Interestingly, there are authorities who would permit a person to glue the "pitom" back into place on Chol haMoed [Be'er Heitev ibid. note 15]! While most authorities disagree with this, they would agree that the "shoshanta" could be glued back into place [Responsa Shoel u'Meishiv 1:131; Sheilat Shalom 2:232].
UPCOMING EVENTS
Monday, Oct. 17, 2016 4-5:30p.m.
Sukkot Day 1
OPEN SUKKAH
at the Matanky Home
2932 Greenleaf
Tuesday, October 18, 2016
Sukkot Day 2
SUKKAH HOP
Grades "Zero" - 2 (w/parents) - 3:30 pm
Start location at Katz Home
(3045 W. Jarlath)
Grades 3 - 6 w/Bnei Akiva - 3:15 PM
Start location at Congregation KINS
Monday, October 24, 2016
Simchat Torah Night
SIMCHAT TORAH
WOMEN'S SHIUR
with Ms. Aviva Kanter (after the 2nd Hakafa) in cooperation with NILI
(During hakafot there will be a mechitza & space for women to dance!)
One of the most interesting Sukkot observances is the Simchat Bet Hashoeva. While today this celebration is associated with communal celebrations of dancing and music during Chol HaMoed, when the Beit HaMikdash stood, this event took place on the second night of the Sukkot.
As the Mishna [Sukkah Chapter 5] describes: Men of good works ['anshemaase'] and pious people would lead processions of multitudes, happy crowds, accompanied by Levites playing musical instruments, torchlight parades, dancing, singing on their way to the Temple gates and courtyard. The sages themselves would dance and sing. Rabban Shimon ben Gamaliel used to juggle with eight lighted torches at once.
What was the occasion for the celebration? It was the ‘nisuchhamayim’ [libation of water] that was drawn from the springs outside of Yerushalayim and poured along with the sacrifices of Sukkot.
But why celebrate this? What about the seventy sacrifices of this holiday or the daily ‘nisuch’ of wine? What was so special about the ‘nisuch’ of water!?
While there are many answers to this question, the late Rav Ahron Soloveitchik suggested that the unique lesson of the ‘nisuchhamayim’ was to teach us that the greatest and truest joy in life is found in the simple things in life - in pouring water on the altar.
Which is also one of the most important lessons of this entire holiday of Sukkot - as we leave our homes and go out into the Sukkah as a sign of our trust in G-d, and to remember that ultimately, ALL of our material possessions are meaningless, without that trust!
Monday, Oct. 17, 
Tuesday, October 18, 2016
Monday, October 24, 2016
BNEI AKIVA 
