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So, you've decided to fulfill the mitzvah of the Four Species (Arbah Minim) this Sukkot. Mazel tov! Get ready to shake things up – literally. Here’s the ultimate guide to mastering ‘taking the Four Species’ – the etrog (citron), lulav (palm frond), hadassim (myrtles), and aravot (willows)– without tying yourself in knots.
The Fantastic Four Species
First up, gather your crew: one etrog, one lulav, three hadassim, and two aravot. Think of them as the Avengers of Sukkot, each with their own role. The etrog rides solo in one hand, while the lulav, hadassim, and aravot band together in the other. And just like that, you've assembled the dream team of mitzvah fulfillment.
…and if you’re wondering how to get hold of a Kosher Arbah Minim set, take a look at the ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Buying the Four Species.
Lulav Tying 101
Binding the lulav is an art form. Place the spine facing you, then tie the hadassim and aravot to the right and left of the lulav. If you follow the Chabad custom, it’s one aravah on each side, covered by the hadassim – one to the right, one to the left, and one on top, leaning slightly to the right. Others stack the hadassim on the right and the aravot on the left. Use strips of lulav leaves to bind them at two points, ensuring no rogue leaves escape when it’s time to shake.
For more fascinating Chabad customs (that might just save you some time and money too!), check out our article on their light-touch approach to Sukkah-decorating.
Timing is Everything
Pro tip: Bind your lulav [link to article on tying the lulav bundle] bundle before the festival starts. But if you missed the memo or if your knots get unraveled during the festivities, fret not. You can re-tie it on the festival day – just make sure that your knot isn’t a permanent one. This isn’t a Boy Scout jamboree.
Shake It Like You Mean It
When it’s showtime, grab the lulav bundle in your right hand. Recite the blessing, then add the etrog to your left hand. Hold the etrog with the stem (oketz) down. Now, bring your hands together and face East. Shake the lulav and etrog in the following six directions: right, left, forward, up, down, and back.
Mind the Orientation
Hold the species in the direction they grow. Holding them upside down? Not kosher! The Mishkan’s (Tabernacle) walls were built with vertical boards, which is where we derive the halacha (Jewish law) from, that if you’re performing a mitzvah with something that grows, you must use it in the direction of growth.
Typically, when you build a house, the boards are stacked horizontally, one atop the other. But when it came to the Mishkan, things took a vertical twist! As it’s written: “And you shall make the walls of the Mishkan from acacia wood standing up ” (Exodus 26:15). Yep, the outer walls of the Mishkan used wood placed vertically, just as it grew, instead of the usual horizontal layout…which is why the lulav and etrog must be held in that direction too (that’s how they grow!).
Bling-Free Zone
Hold the jewelry, folks. Some authorities say nothing should come between you and your species. It’s a hands-on mitzvah , literally, so those people would remove any rings on their fingers before performing the mitzvah.
Timing and Shabbat Rules
This mitzvah is a daylight affair – no nocturnal shaking allowed. And if Sukkot’s first day falls on Shabbat, hold off on shaking that lulav. Our Sages worried about accidental Shabbat violations made by carrying the Four Species, much like they did with the shofar on Rosh Hashanah ( no shofar-blowing if Rosh Hashana falls on a Shabbat).
No Borrowing Allowed
You can’t borrow your way to mitzvah greatness. The species must be a gift, not a loan, at least for the first two days of Sukkot (outside Israel, or the first day inside Israel). After all, the Torah tells us, “You shall take for yourselves on the first day.”
And be mindful: If you give them to a child before fulfilling the mitzvah yourself, minors can’t technically give up ownership of objects (although they can acquire them). So, no pre-mitzvah hand-offs to the little ones.
So there you have it! With your trusty etrog, lulav, hadassim, and aravot in hand, you're ready to conquer the mitzvah of the Four Species this Sukkot. Remember, it's all about the details – from perfect timing to impeccable orientation. Who knew shaking some leaves and fruit could be so intricate? But with this guide, you'll be a pro in no time. So go ahead, shake it like you mean it, and enjoy the festive spirit of Sukkot with a newfound holiday-expertise. Chag Sameach!
