Order of Taking the Four Minim: Difference between revisions

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[[Image:Lulav.png|300px|right]]
[[Image:Lulav.png|300px|right]]
Based on the pasuk ולקחתם לכם ביום הראשון פרי עץ הדר כפות תמרים וענף עץ עבות וערבי נחל "And you shall take on the first day the fruit of goodly trees, branches of palm-trees, and boughs of thick trees, and willows of the brook," we learn that we need to take one [[lulav]], one [[etrog]], three [[hadasim]] and two [[aravot]].<ref> sukka 34b based on Vayikra 23:40, Sefer Hachinuch Mitzva 324, Shulchan Aruch 651:1 </ref>  
Based on the pasuk ולקחתם לכם ביום הראשון פרי עץ הדר כפות תמרים וענף עץ עבות וערבי נחל "And you shall take on the first day the fruit of goodly trees, branches of palm-trees, and boughs of thick trees, and willows of the brook," we learn that we need to take one [[lulav]], one [[etrog]], three [[hadasim]] and two [[aravot]].<ref>sukka 34b based on Vayikra 23:40, Sefer Hachinuch Mitzva 324, Shulchan Aruch 651:1 </ref>  


==Who is Obligated==
==Who is Obligated==
#This mitzva of [[arba minim]] is an obligation on every individual. <ref> sukka 41b. Tosafot there says that since the pasuk says ולקחתם in the plural and not in the singular we know that it is on everyone. </ref>  
# This mitzva of [[arba minim]] is an obligation on every individual. <ref>Sukka 41b. Tosafot there says that since the pasuk says ולקחתם in the plural and not in the singular we know that it is on everyone. </ref>
#Women are exempt from taking the [[arba minim]] because it is a [[mitzvah aseh shehazman grama]]. They are permitted and even encouraged to but while Ashkenaz women can say the beracha if they choose to do the mitzva, Sephardic women shouldn't say the beracha. <ref> Mishna [[Sukkah]] 28, Shulchan Aruch 640:1. Like the other mitzvot aseh shehazman grama, if she wants to do the mitzva, she is permitted to. Ashkenazim based on Rabbeinu Tam quoted in Kiddushin 31b and [[Rosh Hashana]] 33a hold that women are permitted to say the beracha if they do the mitzva. Sephardim however, hold that they cannot say the beracha based on the Rambam in Hilchot [[Tzitzit]] 3:10 and Shulchan Aruch 17:2 </ref>
# Women are exempt from taking the [[arba minim]] because it is a [[mitzvah aseh shehazman grama]]. They are permitted and even encouraged to but while Ashkenaz women can say the beracha if they choose to do the mitzva, Sephardic women shouldn't say the beracha. <ref>Mishna [[Sukkah]] 28, Bikurei Yakov 657:5, Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 640:1.<br>
#Women do not have to shake the [[lulav]] in all six directions as men do. <ref> Shu"t Rav Pealim 1:12 </ref>
{{Bracha on Mitzvot Aseh Shehazman Grama}} </ref>
#The obligation for children begins at the age when they can shake the [[lulav]] on their own. <ref> sukka 42a, Rambam Hilchot sukka 7:19. The Mishna Brurah 657:1 adds even if a child is six years old, the usual age of [[chinuch]], if he cannot shake the [[lulav]] properly, one is not obligated to train him in this mitzva. </ref> When the reach that age, the father has an obligation to buy him a kosher set of [[arba minim]] that will be his own. <ref> Shulchan Aruch 657:1. Beiur Halacha there "kidei lichancho" adds that it must be kosher, and Iggerot Moshe OC 3:95 adds that it should be his own if possible. </ref>
# Women do not have to shake the [[lulav]] in all six directions as men do. <ref>Shu"t Rav Pealim 1:12 </ref>
# The obligation for children begins at the age when they can shake the [[lulav]] on their own.<ref>Sukka 42a, Rambam Hilchot sukka 7:19. The Mishna Brurah 657:1 adds even if a child is six years old, the usual age of [[chinuch]], if he cannot shake the [[lulav]] properly, one is not obligated to train him in this mitzva. </ref> When they reach that age, the father has an obligation to buy him a kosher set of [[arba minim]] that will be his own. <ref>Shulchan Aruch 657:1. Beiur Halacha there "kidei lichancho" adds that it must be kosher, and Iggerot Moshe OC 3:95 adds that it should be his own if possible. </ref>
 
==Beracha==
==Beracha==
# On the first day of [[Sukkot]] prior to shaking the [[lulav]], we recite the beracha of ברוך אתה ה' אלוקינו מלך העולם אשר קדשנו במצותיו וצונו על נטילת לולב and add [[shehecheyanu]]. On the remaining days, including the second day of Yom Tov<ref>Hagahot Maimoniyot Brachot 11:3 writes there's no bracha on lulav the second day since we already did it yesterday but then he concludes that the minhag Ashkenaz was to recite it and the Rabbenu Peretz agreed.</ref>, we don't say [[shehecheyanu]] unless the first day was [[shabbat]], in which case we would say it on the second day. <ref> Shulchan Aruch 662:1-2. </ref>
# On the first day of [[Sukkot]] prior to shaking the [[lulav]], we recite the beracha of ברוך אתה ה' אלוקינו מלך העולם אשר קדשנו במצותיו וצונו על נטילת לולב and add [[shehecheyanu]]. On the remaining days, including the second day of Yom Tov<ref>Hagahot Maimoniyot Brachot 11:3 writes there's no bracha on lulav the second day since we already did it yesterday but then he concludes that the minhag Ashkenaz was to recite it and the Rabbenu Peretz agreed.</ref>, we don't say [[shehecheyanu]] unless the first day was [[shabbat]], in which case we would say it on the second day. <ref>Shulchan Aruch 662:1-2. </ref>
# If one didn't take the [[four minim]] on the first day, then he says [[shehecheyanu]] the first time that he does. <ref> Mishna Brurah 662:3 </ref>
# If one didn't take the [[four minim]] on the first day, then he says [[shehecheyanu]] the first time that he does. <ref>Mishna Brurah 662:3 </ref>
#The beracha and taking of the [[arba minim]] should be done while standing, but if you sat, you are yotzei bidieved. <ref> Chazon Ovadia 416 quoting the Shibbolei Haleket 366, and the Sefer Yereim 114 that its based on a gezeira shava learned from [[sefirat haomer]]. The halacha regarding [[sefirat haomer]] is in Rambam Hilchot Temidim Umusafim 7:23 </ref>
#The beracha and taking of the [[arba minim]] should be done while standing, but if you sat, you are yotzei bidieved. <ref>Chazon Ovadia p. 416 quoting the Shibbolei Haleket 366, and the Sefer Yereim 114 that its based on a gezeira shava learned from [[sefirat haomer]]. The halacha regarding [[sefirat haomer]] is in Rambam Hilchot Temidim Umusafim 7:23. Mahari Vayil 191 explicitly states that one should shake the lulav while standing. Lehorot Natan 11:69 concludes that both the bracha and mitzvah should be done standing.</ref>


==When to make the Bracha==
==When to make the Bracha==
# Since we are supposed to make the beracha before doing the mitzva (over liasiyatan) <ref> Pesachim 7b, Rambam Hilchot [[Lulav]] 7:6 </ref> and since we fulfill the mitzva of [[arba minim]] by simply lifting them together <ref> Sukka 42a </ref> it’s preferable to follow one of the following so that you say the beracha and then do the mitzva. Either  
===Before Doing the Mitzva (עובר לעשייתן)===
## take the [[Lulav]], [[Hadasim]], and [[Aravot]] in one’s right hand, leave the [[Etrog]] on the Table (out of the box) <ref> As the rambam says in Hilchot sukka 7:5 the taking of the daled minim are all one mitzva and are miakev each other (meaning taking 3 without the 4th doesn't fulfill anything.) Therefore, until you take the [[etrog]] you haven't fulfilled your obligation, then you say the beracha, and then fulfill your obligation. The Bach 651 says that this option only works according to Rabbeinu Tam cited in Tosafot [[Sukkah]] 34b "Shetehei" who holds that one must take all four species simultaneously to fulfill his obligation. The Rosh [[Sukkah]] 3:14 disagrees and says there is no need to take all four together. Therefore, the Bach says this suggestion wouldn't work according to the Rosh. However, the Shaar Hatziyun 651:28 disagrees with the Bach and says even according to the Rosh this suggestion would work because even though you don't need to lift them simultaneously, you haven't fulfilled your obligation until you lift all four at least at some point. </ref>  
# Since we are supposed to make the beracha before doing the mitzva (''[[over liasiyatan]]'')<ref>Pesachim 7b, Rambam Hilchot [[Lulav]] 7:6 </ref> and since we fulfill the mitzva of [[arba minim]] by simply lifting them together<ref>Sukka 42a </ref> it is preferable to follow one of these methods so that you say the beracha and then do the mitzva. Either  
## or take the [[Lulav]] in one’s right hand, and [[Etrog]] in one’s left hand while the [[Etrog]] is upside down <ref> Holding the [[etrog]] upside down allows you not to fulfill your obligation until you flip it over because the gemara sukka 42a that in order to fulfill the mitzva of taking the daled minim all four have to be held kiderech gideilatan"-the way in which they grow. Mishna Brurah 652:16 says you aren't even yotze bidieved. Bach 651 (mentioned in the previous suggestion) says based on the aforementioned Rosh this suggestion would also not work unless you held all 4 minim upside down. </ref>
##take the [[Lulav]], [[Hadasim]], and [[Aravot]] in one’s right hand, leave the [[Etrog]] on the Table (out of the box)<ref>As the Rambam says in Hilchot Sukka 7:5 the taking of the daled minim are all one mitzva and are miakev each other (meaning taking 3 without the 4th doesn't fulfill anything.) Therefore, until you take the [[etrog]] you haven't fulfilled your obligation, then you say the beracha, and then fulfill your obligation. The Bach 651 says that this option only works according to Rabbeinu Tam cited in Tosafot [[Sukkah]] 34b s.v. Shetehei who holds that one must take all four species simultaneously to fulfill his obligation. The Rosh [[Sukkah]] 3:14 disagrees and says there is no need to take all four together. Therefore, the Bach says this suggestion wouldn't work according to the Rosh. However, the Shaar Hatziyun 651:28 disagrees with the Bach and says even according to the Rosh this suggestion would work because even though you don't need to lift them simultaneously, you haven't fulfilled your obligation until you lift all four at least at some point. Beur Gra 651:16 thinks this solution doesn't work.</ref>
## or take the [[Lulav]] and [[Etrog]] in their upright positions and have in mind not to fulfill the mitzvah until you make the Bracha. <ref> This works because even if we say mitzvot don't need kavana (argument in [[Rosh Hashana]] 28b see http://halachipedia.com/index.php?title=Having_Kavana_for_Mitzvot ) to be yotze, most poskim agree that kavana not to be yotze doesn't fulfill your obligation. (Bet Yosef 589 and S”A 6:4). Rav Yosef Dov Soloveitchik in Reshimot [[Shiurim]] [[Sukkah]] 39a notes that this suggestion is only valid if over li'asiyatan requires one to recite the beracha prior to the fulfillment of the mitzvah but not if the beracha needs to be recited before the performance of the mitzva. Taz OC 651:5, writes that this suggestion is difficult as one may forget to have specific intent not to fulfill the mitzvah when he lifts them. However, this is the preferred method of the Biur Hagra 651:5. </ref>and then make the Bracha. <ref> All three suggestions are made by tosafot in sukka 39a "over". S”A 651:5 suggests the first two suggestions, while the Mishna Brurah 651:25 quotes the Bet Yosef who brings the third option and quotes the Gra as saying that the third option is the most preferable. The Mishna Brurah makes no mention of which option is preferable. Yalkut Yosef (Kitzur S”A 651:14) also brings all three opinions and doesn’t decide on which is most preferable. </ref>
##or take the [[Lulav]] in one’s right hand, and [[Etrog]] in one’s left hand while the [[Etrog]] is upside down <ref>Holding the [[etrog]] upside down allows you not to fulfill your obligation until you flip it over because the Gemara Sukka 42a that in order to fulfill the mitzva of taking the daled minim all four have to be held kiderech gideilatan"-the way in which they grow. Mishna Brurah 652:16 says you aren't even yotze bidieved. Bach 651 (mentioned in the previous suggestion) says based on the aforementioned Rosh this suggestion would also not work unless you held all 4 minim upside down. Beur Gra 651:16 thinks this solution doesn't work.</ref>
# After the fact if one took all four species (before making the Bracha), one may still make the Bracha as long as one didn’t shake it yet. <Ref> Rosh sukka 3:33, Chayei Adam 148:11 Mishna Brurah 651:27 and Yalkut Yosef (Kitzur S”A 651:14). The Rabbeinu Nissim Sukka 20b "U'Midefarchinan" says that this is permitted even lechatchilah. The Bikkurei Yaakov 651:20 extends it to the entire [[hallel]] and the Aruch Hashulchan 651:14 says that as long as your still holding your [[lulav]] you can still say the beracha. Shaar Hatziyun 651:32 however rejects this opinion. </ref>
##or take the [[Lulav]] and [[Etrog]] in their upright positions and have in mind not to fulfill the mitzvah until you make the Bracha. <ref>This works because even if we say mitzvot don't need kavana (argument in [[Rosh Hashana]] 28b see http://halachipedia.com/index.php?title=Having_Kavana_for_Mitzvot ) to be yotze, most poskim agree that kavana not to be yotze doesn't fulfill your obligation. (Bet Yosef 589 and S”A 6:4). Rav Yosef Dov Soloveitchik in Reshimot [[Shiurim]] [[Sukkah]] 39a notes that this suggestion is only valid if over li'asiyatan requires one to recite the beracha prior to the fulfillment of the mitzvah but not if the beracha needs to be recited before the performance of the mitzva. Taz OC 651:5, writes that this suggestion is difficult as one may forget to have specific intent not to fulfill the mitzvah when he lifts them. However, this is the preferred method of the Biur Hagra 651:5. </ref>and then make the Bracha. <ref>All three suggestions are made by tosafot in sukka 39a "over". Shulchan Aruch O.C. 651:5 suggests the first two suggestions, while the Mishna Brurah 651:25 quotes the Bet Yosef who brings the third option and quotes the Gra as saying that the third option is the most preferable. The Mishna Brurah makes no mention of which option is preferable. Yalkut Yosef (Kitzur S”A 651:14) also brings all three opinions and doesn’t decide on which is most preferable. </ref>
# After the fact if one took all four species (before making the Bracha), one may still make the Bracha as long as one didn’t shake it yet.<ref>Tosfot Pesachim 7b s.v. bidna, Rosh Sukka 3:33, Chayei Adam 148:11, Mishna Brurah 651:27, and Yalkut Yosef (Kitzur S”A 651:14). The Rabbeinu Nissim Sukka 20b "U'Midefarchinan" says that this is permitted even lechatchilah. The Bikkurei Yaakov 651:20 extends it to the entire [[hallel]] and the Aruch Hashulchan 651:14 says that as long as your still holding your [[lulav]] you can still say the beracha. Shaar Hatziyun 651:32 however rejects this opinion. </ref>
===In the Sukkah===
# Some have the minhag to shake the lulav after reciting the bracha in the Sukkah before praying Shacharit and then additionally to shake the Lulav during Hallel (without repeating the beracha),<ref>This practice is mentioned by the Mishna Brura 652:4</ref> while most recite the beracha in shul after Chazarat Hashatz of Shacharit, before Hallel.<ref>Shulchan Aruch O.C. 644:1</ref> Some specifically prefer that the bracha be made right before the hallel so that there isn’t an interruption between the bracha and the shaking the lulav in the hallel, one of the primary mitzvot of the lulav.<ref>Nefesh Harav p. 217, Rav Tzvi Pesach Frank in Mikraei Kodesh 2:16</ref> Alternatively, some argue that based on the principle of tadir kodem, giving precedence to the common mitzvah, one must daven Shacharit before shaking the lulav.<ref>Shu"t Igrot Moshe OC 4:99 writes that the practice to do so earlier in the Sukkah is only for very unique individuals who are very careful to carry the lulav everywhere. However, generally it is a violation of tadir kodem. Additionally, Teshuvot Vehanagot 5:216 notes that this was the practice of the Rav Velve Soloveitchik to recite the bracha on lulav before Hallel. Similarly,
[https://www.torahanytime.com/#/lectures?v=67781 Rav Yitzchak Yosef (Motzei Shabbat Haazinu 5779 min. 6)] explains that his father, Rav Ovadia Yosef, never took the lulav to shake it in the Sukkah. Rav Hershel Schachter (cited in Sukkos Packet for Young Israel of Woodmere 5781 p. 6) records that this was also Rav Soloveitchik's practice to shake the lulav in shul before Hallel.</ref>


==Set up of the Arba Minim==
==Set up of the Arba Minim==
[[File:Sephardi Minim.jpg|thumb|Sephardic setup|right|100px]]
[[File:Sephardi Minim.jpg|thumb|Sephardic setup|right|100px]]
[[File:Four Species.jpg|thumb|Ashkenazic setup|left|200px]]
[[File:Four Species.jpg|thumb|Ashkenazic setup|left|200px]]
# The Sephardic custom is to put one [[Hadas]] and one [[Aravah]] on the left of the [[lulav]], one [[Hadas]] in the middle but slightly to the right , and one [[Hadas]] and one [[Aravah]] on the right side. <Ref> Magen Avraham 651:4 quoting the Arizal writes that one should put one [[Hadas]] and one [[Aravah]] on the left of the [[lulav]], one [[Hadas]] in the middle together with the [[Lulav]], and one [[Hadas]] and one [[Aravah]] on the right side. The Shaar HaTziyun 651:11 quotes the Pri Megadim who says that one shouldn’t follow that practice unless one is known for his piety. However, Yalkut Yosef (Moadim pg 160, [[Sukkot]] p. 75) writes that the Sephardic custom is to follow the Arizal. The Chazon Ovadyah ([[Sukkot]] pg 343) also quotes the Magen Avraham. </ref> However, the Ashkenazic custom is to set up the [[Hadasim]] to the right of the [[Lulav]] and the [[Aravot]] to the left. <ref>Mishna Brurah 651:12, Nitei Gavriel (Arba Minim 40:4). Mishna Brurah there adds that this is true for a lefty as well. </ref>
#It is a mitzva to tie the [[lulav]] together, but if you don't it is still kosher. <ref> Shulchan Aruch 651:1. Mishna Brurah 651:8 explains although we don't hold like the shita of Rabbi Yehuda on sukka 11b who says that you need to tie it together, there is still the mitzva of hiddur mitzva from the pasuk of  זֶה אֵלִי וְאַנְוֵהוּ. Yalkut Yosef Moadim 159, Chazon Ovadia [[sukkot]] 340 </ref>
#Sephardim should tie the three together with [[lulav]] leaves in three places using double knots, <ref> Shulchan Aruch 651:1, Chazon Ovadia [[sukkot]] 342 quotes the Sefer Yiraim 124 also and says that is the custom. He also quotes the Chatam Sofer sukka 36b as saying that since the mitzva of hiddur is objective based on what the torah told us, we should only use the double knots made of [[lulav]] leaves and not use the handles that they have nowadays.  Mishna Brurah 651:14 quotes the Mordechai explaining that these three ties are representative of the three patriarchs </ref> while Ashkenazim generally use the woven holder made of [[lulav]] leaves that has holes for the three minim, in addition to the three ties. <ref> Mishna Brurah 651:8 quoting the Shu"t Agura Biohalecha (12:273). Tzitz Eliezer 13:43 agrees to this as well. </ref>
#The minimum length for the [[lulav]] is four [[Tefachim]], and the minimum length for [[hadasim]] and [[aravot]] is three [[Tefachim]]. There is no maximum length, however, if your [[hadasim]] or [[aravot]] are longer than 3 than your [[lulav]] has to remain at least a [[tefach]] taller so that at least part of it will shake recognizably. <ref> sukka 32b with Ritva, Ran, and Meiri there. Rambam Hilchot sukka 7:8 agrees too. </ref>
# One should make sure to tie it up so that the [[Hadasim]] are above the [[Aravot]]. <Ref>Rama 651:1, Mishna Brurah 651:12, Nitei Gavriel 40:8, Chazon Ovadyah ([[Sukkot]] pg 343-4) </ref>
#It is preferable not to have a non-jew tie them together for you, but if he does it is still kosher. <ref> Yalkut Yosef Moadim page 159 </ref>


==How to Bind the 4 Minim (Eged)==
#The Sephardic custom is to put one [[Hadas]] and one [[Aravah]] on the left of the [[lulav]], one [[Hadas]] in the middle but slightly to the right , and one [[Hadas]] and one [[Aravah]] on the right side. <ref>Magen Avraham 651:4 quoting the Arizal writes that one should put one [[Hadas]] and one [[Aravah]] on the left of the [[lulav]], one [[Hadas]] in the middle together with the [[Lulav]], and one [[Hadas]] and one [[Aravah]] on the right side. The Shaar HaTziyun 651:11 quotes the Pri Megadim who says that one shouldn’t follow that practice unless one is known for his piety. However, Yalkut Yosef (Moadim pg 160, [[Sukkot]] p. 75) writes that the Sephardic custom is to follow the Arizal. The Chazon Ovadyah ([[Sukkot]] pg 343) also quotes the Magen Avraham. </ref> However, the Ashkenazic custom is to set up the [[Hadasim]] to the right of the [[Lulav]] and the [[Aravot]] to the left. <ref>Mishna Brurah 651:12, Nitei Gavriel (Arba Minim 40:4). Mishna Brurah there adds that this is true for a lefty as well. </ref>
# The halacha follows the opinion that it is not necessary to have the Lulav, Hadasim, and Aravot bound up together, however, it is a mitzvah and proper to do so to make the 4 minim look nicer.<ref>Gemara Sukkah 33a cites a dispute between Rabbi Yehuda who holds that there is an obligation to bind the 3 minim together and the Rabbis who hold that it is only preferable in order to make the mitzvah nicer. Rambam (Lulav 7:4) and Shulchan Aruch 651:1 hold like the Rabbis.</ref>
#It is a mitzva to tie the [[lulav]] together, but if you don't it is still kosher. <ref>Shulchan Aruch 651:1. Mishna Brurah 651:8 explains although we don't hold like the shita of Rabbi Yehuda on sukka 11b who says that you need to tie it together, there is still the mitzva of hiddur mitzva from the pasuk of  זֶה אֵלִי וְאַנְוֵהוּ. Yalkut Yosef Moadim 159, Chazon Ovadia [[sukkot]] 340 </ref>
# The Etrog is not tied up with the other 3 minim. It is held in the left hand while the others are held in the right hand.<ref>Rambam (Lulav 7:4), Shulchan Aruch 651:2, Yalkut Yosef 651:2</ref>
#Sephardim should tie the three together with [[lulav]] leaves in three places using double knots, <ref>Shulchan Aruch 651:1, Chazon Ovadia [[sukkot]] 342 quotes the Sefer Yiraim 124 also and says that is the custom. He also quotes the Chatam Sofer sukka 36b as saying that since the mitzva of hiddur is objective based on what the torah told us, we should only use the double knots made of [[lulav]] leaves and not use the handles that they have nowadays.  Mishna Brurah 651:14 quotes the Mordechai explaining that these three ties are representative of the three patriarchs </ref> while Ashkenazim generally use the woven holder made of [[lulav]] leaves that has holes for the three minim, in addition to the three ties. <ref>Mishna Brurah 651:8 quoting the Shu"t Agura Biohalecha (12:273). Tzitz Eliezer 13:43 agrees to this as well. </ref> this holder is traditionally known as a ''keshetil''.
# It is proper to bind the Lulav, Hadasim, and Aravot with a double knot.<Ref>Shulchan Aruch 651:1</ref> The Ashkenazic minhag is to allow using the kashekel's (woven lulav leaf holders) and consider them to be a binding of the 3 minim.<ref>Mishna Brurah 651:8 citing the Agurah BeOhalecha. Bikkurei Yacov 651:8 writes that lulav rings as a binding is the equivalent of using a lulav kashekel. </ref>For Sephardim, it is advised to tie the Lulav, Hadasim, and Aravot and not just use a holder.<ref>Yalkut Yosef 651:3</ref>
#The minimum length for the [[lulav]] is four [[Tefachim]], and the minimum length for [[hadasim]] and [[aravot]] is three [[Tefachim]]. There is no maximum length, however, if your [[hadasim]] or [[aravot]] are longer than 3 than your [[lulav]] has to remain at least a [[tefach]] taller so that at least part of it will shake recognizably. <ref>sukka 32b with Ritva, Ran, and Meiri there. Rambam Hilchot sukka 7:8 agrees too. </ref>
# If one forgot and didn't tie them before the holiday, one shouldn't tie them with a knot on Yom Tov.<Ref>Shulchan Aruch 651:1 writes that one may not tie a knot for the purposes of binding the 3 minim. See, the Chida ([http://www.hebrewbooks.org/pdfpager.aspx?req=33684&st=&pgnum=37 Moreh BeEtzbah n. 291]) seems to say that there's no issue of making knots with lulav leaves. Kaf HaChaim 651:19 rejects this opinion. Yalkut Yosef 651:6 writes that if one didn't tie it before Yom Tov there's what to rely on to tie it with a double knot on Yom Tov.</ref> Rather one should take a string, wrap them up, and tuck in the end of the string.<ref>Tur and Rama 651:1, Yalkut Yosef 651:6</ref>
#One should make sure to tie it up so that the [[Hadasim]] are above the [[Aravot]]. <ref>Rama 651:1, Mishna Brurah 651:12, Nitei Gavriel 40:8, Chazon Ovadyah ([[Sukkot]] pg 343-4) </ref>
## If one didn't do so before Yom Tov, it is permitted to peel off a leaf of the Lulav to hold the minim together with a slip knot or winding them together and tucking in the end.<ref>Kaf HaChaim 651:20</ref> The Ashkenazic minhag is to refrain from doing this except in private and in an abnormal fashion.<ref>Shaarei Teshuva 651:3, Piskei Teshuvot 651:3</ref>
#It is preferable not to have a non-jew tie them together for you, but if he does it is still kosher. <ref>Yalkut Yosef Moadim page 159 </ref>
## If one forgot to tie the 3 minim before Yom Tov it is permitted to bind them with a pre-made lulav ring.<ref>Bikkurei Yacov 651:8</ref> However, it is forbidden to tie a lulav ring on Yom Tov. <ref>Piskei Teshuvot 651:3</ref>
 
==How to Bind the 4 Minim (''Eged'')==
 
#The halacha follows the opinion that it is not necessary to have the Lulav, Hadasim, and Aravot bound up together, however, it is a mitzvah and proper to do so to make the 4 minim look nicer.<ref>Gemara Sukkah 33a and 36b cites a dispute between Rabbi Yehuda who holds that there is an obligation to bind the 3 minim together and the Rabbis who hold that it is only preferable in order to make the mitzvah nicer. Rambam (Lulav 7:4) and Shulchan Aruch O.C. 651:1 hold like the Rabbis.</ref>
#The Etrog is not tied up with the other 3 minim. It is held in the left hand while the others are held in the right hand.<ref>Rambam (Lulav 7:4), Shulchan Aruch 651:2, Yalkut Yosef 651:2</ref>
#It is proper to bind the Lulav, Hadasim, and Aravot with a double knot.<ref>Shulchan Aruch 651:1</ref> The Ashkenazic minhag is to allow using the kashekel's (woven lulav leaf holders) and consider them to be a binding of the 3 minim.<ref>Mishna Brurah 651:8 citing the Agurah BeOhalecha. Bikkurei Yacov 651:8 writes that lulav rings as a binding is the equivalent of using a lulav kashekel. </ref>For Sephardim, it is advised to tie the Lulav, Hadasim, and Aravot and not just use a holder.<ref>Yalkut Yosef 651:3</ref>
#If one forgot and didn't tie them before the holiday, one shouldn't tie them with a knot on Yom Tov.<ref>Shulchan Aruch 651:1 writes that one may not tie a knot for the purposes of binding the 3 minim. See, the Chida ([http://www.hebrewbooks.org/pdfpager.aspx?req=33684&st=&pgnum=37 Moreh BeEtzbah n. 291]) seems to say that there's no issue of making knots with lulav leaves. Kaf HaChaim 651:19 rejects this opinion. Yalkut Yosef 651:6 writes that if one didn't tie it before Yom Tov there's what to rely on to tie it with a double knot on Yom Tov.</ref> Rather one should take a string, wrap them up, and tuck in the end of the string.<ref>Tur and Rama 651:1, Yalkut Yosef 651:6</ref>
##If one didn't do so before Yom Tov, it is permitted to peel off a leaf of the Lulav to hold the minim together with a slip knot or winding them together and tucking in the end.<ref>Kaf HaChaim 651:20</ref> The Ashkenazic minhag is to refrain from doing this except in private and in an abnormal fashion.<ref>Shaarei Teshuva 651:3, Piskei Teshuvot 651:3</ref>
##If one forgot to tie the 3 minim before Yom Tov it is permitted to bind them with a pre-made lulav ring.<ref>Bikkurei Yacov 651:8</ref> However, it is forbidden to tie a lulav ring on Yom Tov. <ref>Piskei Teshuvot 651:3</ref>


==How to Hold Them==
==How to Hold Them==
[[Image:Rav Mordechai Eliyahu Lulav.jpg|200px|right]]
[[Image:Rav Mordechai Eliyahu Lulav.jpg|200px|right]]
#We need to hold the [[arba minim]] right side up, "biderech gedeilatan"-the way which they grow. <ref> sukka 45b. Mishna Brurah 652:16 and Chazon Ovadia Hilchot sukka page 340 say you aren't even yotze bidieved. </ref> The species shouldn't be turned downward when shaking in the downward direction, they should always be held upright and the shaking should be towards that direction.<ref>Kaf Hachaim 651:47, Chazon Ovadia p. 341</ref>
 
# Holding the four species side-wise is incorrect.<ref>Chazon Ovadia p. 341</ref>
#We need to hold the [[arba minim]] right side up, "biderech gedeilatan"-the way which they grow. <ref>sukka 45b. Mishna Brurah 652:16 and Chazon Ovadia Hilchot sukka page 340 say you aren't even yotze bidieved. </ref> The species shouldn't be turned downward when shaking in the downward direction, they should always be held upright and the shaking should be towards that direction.<ref>Kaf Hachaim 651:47, Chazon Ovadia p. 341</ref>
# The Etrog should be held together with the other species at the bottom of lulav.<ref>Shaar Hakavaot 103b, Ben Ish Chai (Shana Rishona Haazinu n. 14), Kaf Hachaim 651:48. The [https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwjo86Gvo-PdAhVnh-AKHUJeBqUQjRx6BAgBEAU&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.tapuz.co.il%2Fblogs%2Fviewentry%2F7357845&psig=AOvVaw0iGAVSyIUH3jMdY6QicO1n&ust=1538415736699429 picture of Rav Mordechai Eliyahu] to the right as well as [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r5gFkPxFJf4 this video of Rav Ovadia Yosef (min 1:13)] indicate that this is the correct way to hold the lulav and etrog. However, there is a Chabad minhag to hold the etrog at a slight degree away from the lulav but connected at the bottom (Sefer Haminhagim Chabad p. 66, Piskei Hasiddur dinei lulav fnt. 84).</ref> Most hold that it is fine for the Etrog to be touching the hadasim and aravot and not directly touching the lulav spine.<ref>Nitai Gavriel 54:9 citing the Shaar HaKavanot 103b</ref>
#Holding the four species side-wise is incorrect.<ref>Chazon Ovadia p. 341</ref>
#The minhag is that the spine of the [[lulav]] should be facing towards the person shaking it. <ref> Chazon Ovadia [[Sukkot]] 358, Ben Ish Chai Haazinu 13 against the Eliyah Rabba 650 and the Orchot Chaim 23 quoting the Raavad who say that the spine should be facing away from him </ref>
#The Etrog should be held together with the other species at the bottom of lulav.<ref>Shaar Hakavaot 103b, Ben Ish Chai (Shana Rishona Haazinu n. 14), Kaf Hachaim 651:48. The [https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwjo86Gvo-PdAhVnh-AKHUJeBqUQjRx6BAgBEAU&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.tapuz.co.il%2Fblogs%2Fviewentry%2F7357845&psig=AOvVaw0iGAVSyIUH3jMdY6QicO1n&ust=1538415736699429 picture of Rav Mordechai Eliyahu] to the right as well as [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r5gFkPxFJf4 this video of Rav Ovadia Yosef (min 1:13)] indicate that this is the correct way to hold the lulav and etrog. However, there is a Chabad minhag to hold the etrog at a slight degree away from the lulav but connected at the bottom (Sefer Haminhagim Chabad p. 66, Piskei Hasiddur dinei lulav fnt. 84).</ref> Most hold that it is fine for the Etrog to be touching the hadasim and aravot and not directly touching the lulav spine.<ref>Nitai Gavriel 54:9 citing the Shaar HaKavanot 103b</ref>
# One should hold the [[lulav]] ([[aravot]] and [[hadasim]] included) in the right hand and the [[etrog]] in his left hand. <ref> Shulchan Aruch 651:2. Mishna Brurah 15 explains that this is because the [[lulav]], [[aravot]], and [[hadasim]] have three parts of the mitzva while the [[etrog]] is only one. </ref>  
#The minhag is that the spine of the [[lulav]] should be facing towards the person shaking it. <ref>Mishna Brurah 651:47, Chazon Ovadia [[Sukkot]] 358, Ben Ish Chai Haazinu 13 against the Eliyah Rabba 650 and the Orchot Chaim 23 quoting the Raavad who say that the spine should be facing away from him </ref>
# For people whose left hand is the stronger one,
#One should hold the [[lulav]] ([[aravot]] and [[hadasim]] included) in the right hand and the [[etrog]] in his left hand. <ref>Shulchan Aruch 651:2. Mishna Brurah 15 explains that this is because the [[lulav]], [[aravot]], and [[hadasim]] have three parts of the mitzva while the [[etrog]] is only one. </ref>
## Sephardim should hold it as if they were right handed and hold the [[lulav]] in the right and [[etrog]] in the left. <ref> Tur 651, Shulchan Aruch 651:3. See Kaf Hachaim 651:38. </ref>
#For people whose left hand is the stronger one,
## Ashkenazim should switch it, and hold the [[lulav]] in the left hand and [[etrog]] in the right hand. <ref> Rama (quoting the Rosh 3:25 and Rabbeinu Yerucham) 651:3. Rama adds that if a lefty held it as if he were a righty, he is still yotzei.  see however, Orchos Rabbeinu 2:pg. 288 that the Steipler who was a lefty and Ashkenazi, followed the Shulchan Aruch and not the Rama's ruling. </ref>  
##Sephardim should hold it as if they were right handed and hold the [[lulav]] in the right and [[etrog]] in the left. <ref>Tur 651, Shulchan Aruch 651:3. See Kaf Hachaim 651:38. </ref>
#One should hold the [[arba minim]] against each other both for the holding and for the shaking. <ref> Shulchan Aruch 651:11 </ref>
##Ashkenazim should switch it, and hold the [[lulav]] in the left hand and [[etrog]] in the right hand. <ref>Rama (quoting the Rosh 3:25 and Rabbeinu Yerucham) 651:3. Rama adds that if a lefty held it as if he were a righty, he is still yotzei.  see however, Orchos Rabbeinu 2:pg. 288 that the Steipler who was a lefty and Ashkenazi, followed the Shulchan Aruch and not the Rama's ruling. </ref>
#It is prohibited to have something [[separating]] between your hands and the [[arba minim]]. <ref> Beit Yosef 651 says for those who wear [[tefillin]] during [[chol hamoed]] remove it for the [[arba minim]], although technically they don't have to because it doesn't cover the whole hand. Rama 651:7 paskins like this as well. The bach and the biurei hagra there however, both say that you must remove it because its considered a chatzitza as long as its not for the hiddur mitzva.</ref> It is permitted to leave your ring on though or if you get hurt and need to wear a cast or a bandage that you can't remove it you can be lenient. <ref> Halichot Shlomo 224, Chazon Ovadia 417-419 </ref>
#One should hold the [[arba minim]] against each other both for the holding and for the shaking. <ref>Shulchan Aruch 651:11 </ref>
#It is prohibited to have something [[separating]] between your hands and the [[arba minim]]. Therefore, one should remove one's ring and even after the fact if one shook with a ring on some say that one has to shake the lulav again without a bracha. <ref>Beit Yosef 651 says for those who wear [[tefillin]] during [[chol hamoed]] remove it for the [[arba minim]], although technically they don't have to because it doesn't cover the whole hand. Rama 651:7 paskins like this as well. The bach and the biurei hagra there however, both say that you must remove it because its considered a chatzitza as long as its not for the hiddur mitzva. Mishna Brurah 651:36 quotes some who hold that if one shook the lulav with a ring one should shake it again after removing the ring without a bracha. See Halichot Shlomo p. 224 who seems to hold that a ring isn't a problem since it only covers a minority of the hand and one could hold the lulav even without that area of the hand.</ref> It is permitted to wear a cast or a bandage that you can't remove while shaking the lulav.<ref>Halichot Shlomo p. 224, Chazon Ovadia 417-419 </ref>
# One may not use gloves to hold the lulav. Even after the fact one should shake it again after removing the gloves without a bracha. To avoid concerns of catching COVID one should santize one's hands before and after.<ref>Minchat Asher (Yerach Eytanim Biydan Corona n. 15), Mishna Brurah 651:33</ref>


==Naanuim (Shaking of the Lulav)==
==Naanuim (Shaking of the Lulav)==
#Sephardim shake the [[lulav]] before [[hallel]] when they first say the beracha and take the [[arba minim]], then in [[hallel]] at the first hodu once, at anna hashem twice, and the second hodu once. <ref> Even though the mishnah in sukka 37b doesn't mention any before [[hallel]], Tosefot there "bihodu" adds that we should shake before also. Shulchan Aruch 651:8 and Chazon Ovadia [[sukkot]] 356 both agree to this.</ref>  
 
#In addition to the times that sephardim shake, Ashkenazim have the custom that the chazzan shakes in yomru na also, and the congregation shake for all four hodu's that they say after the chazzan says his part, and the two hodus at the end of [[hallel]]. <ref> Rama 651:8 and Mishna Brurah 41. </ref>
#Sephardim shake the [[lulav]] before [[hallel]] when they first say the bracha and take the [[arba minim]], then in [[hallel]] at the first hodu once, at anna hashem twice, and the second hodu once. <ref>Even though the mishnah in sukka 37b doesn't mention any before [[hallel]], Tosefot there "bihodu" adds that we should shake before also. Shulchan Aruch 651:8 and Chazon Ovadia [[sukkot]] 356 both agree to this.</ref>
#Sephardim shake towards the south, north, east, up, down, west. (If the shul faces east then to your right, left, forward, up, down, backward.) <ref> Chazon Ovadia 352-353 paskins like the Arizal against Shulchan Aruch 651:10 who says to start at east and turn clockwise. </ref> One should turn his body and face the direction to which he is shaking. <ref> Bikkurei Yaakov 651:36 quoting the Ari as well as the Kaf Hachayim 651:96 </ref>
#In addition to the times that Sephardim shake, Ashkenazim have the custom that the chazzan shakes in yomru na also, and the congregation shake for all four hodu's that they say after the chazzan says his part. Ashkenazim also shake at both of the final two hodus at the end of [[hallel|hallel.]]<ref>Rama 651:8 and Mishna Brurah 41. </ref> (This is typical of Nusach Ashkenaz, while Nusach Sfard typically did not shake at the first of those two).
#Ashkenazim shake east, south, west, north, up, down. Face forward and shake clockwise <ref> Mishna Brurah 651:47 </ref> You don't have to turn your body to face that direction, you can just shake the [[lulav]] towards that direction while facing forward. <ref> Mishna Brurah 651:37 quoting the Magen Avraham and the Maamar Mordechai. </ref>
#One should refrain from shaking while mentioning the name of Hashem lest he become distracted while saying His name. <ref>Mishna Brurah 651:37, Kaf Hachayim 651:84, Chazon Ovadia 655 </ref>
#One should refrain from shaking while mentioning the name of Hashem lest he become distracted while saying His name. <ref> Mishna Brurah 651:37, Kaf Hachayim 651:84, Chazon Ovadia 655 </ref>
 
# Some have the minhag to shake the lulav after reciting the bracha in the Sukkah.<Ref>[https://www.torahanytime.com/#/lectures?v=67781 Rav Yitzchak Yosef (Motzei Shabbat Haazinu 5779 min. 6)] explains that his father never took the lulav to shake it in the Sukkah.</ref>
=== Which direction should he shake the lulav? ===
#Sephardim and Chasidim shake towards the south, north, east, up, down, west. (If the shul faces east then to your right, left, forward, up, down, backward.)<ref>Chazon Ovadia 352-353 rules like the Arizal against Shulchan Aruch O.C. 651:10 who says to start at east and turn clockwise. </ref> One should turn his body and face the direction to which he is shaking.<ref>Bikkurei Yaakov 651:36 quoting the Ari as well as the Kaf Hachayim 651:96 </ref>
#Ashkenazim shake east, south, west, north, up, down. Face forward and shake clockwise.<ref>Maharil, Shulchan Aruch O.C. 651:10, Mishna Brurah 651:47. There is a third ordering of directions to shake the lulav that is not common. That is the opinion of Levush 651 that the order is: east, north, west, south, up, down.</ref> You don't have to turn your body to face that direction, you can just shake the [[lulav]] towards that direction while facing forward.<ref>Mishna Brurah 651:37 quoting the Magen Avraham and the Maamar Mordechai. </ref>
# If someone is in a shul that has a minhag to shake in a certain direction he should follow their practice.<ref>Orchot Rabbenu v. 3 p. 91, Chazon Ovadia Sukkah p. 355. Chazon Ovadia quotes all the reasons that it isn't necessary to have one practice in this case but concludes that it is proper to establish one practice for each community.</ref> Some are lenient and don't consider it [[Lo Titgodedu]].<ref>Piskei Teshuvot 651:13 based on Aruch Hashulchan 651:22</ref>


==Borrowing without Permission==
==Borrowing without Permission==
# One may borrow a lulav and etrog without asking permission. Since it is a mitzva and the risk of damage is low, we can assume that the owner would allow it.<ref>Rama 649:5 based on Terumat Hadeshen 100, Pri Megadim MZ 649:7, Halachos of Other People's Money pg. 66 </ref> However, if the one knows that the owner is meticulous about his, or circumstances dictate that he probably is such as it is meticulously wrapped or put away n a private locker, one should not use it without permission.<Ref>Halachos of Other People's Money pg. 67</ref> This refers to the later days of Sukkot, However, on the first day (or first two outside of Israel) one does not fulfill his obligation with a borrowed lulav, even if it is with permission.<ref>Shulchan Aruch 649:2, Halachos of Other People's Money pg. 67 </ref>
 
# Even a woman may borrow a lulav without permission, even though she is not obligated to do perform the mitzva, since she is permitted to volunteer.<ref> Halachos of Other People's Money pg. 66, Shu"t Igrot Moshe OC 2:106 </ref>
#One may borrow a lulav and etrog without asking permission. Since it is a mitzva and the risk of damage is low, we can assume that the owner would allow it.<ref>Rama 649:5 based on Terumat Hadeshen 100, Pri Megadim MZ 649:7, Halachos of Other People's Money pg. 66 </ref> However, if the one knows that the owner is meticulous about his, or circumstances dictate that he probably is such as it is meticulously wrapped or put away n a private locker, one should not use it without permission.<ref>Halachos of Other People's Money pg. 67</ref> This refers to the later days of Sukkot, However, on the first day (or first two outside of Israel) one does not fulfill his obligation with a borrowed lulav, even if it is with permission.<ref>Shulchan Aruch 649:2, Halachos of Other People's Money pg. 67 </ref>
# One should not borrow an etrog that is on sale, because the seller probably does not want them to be used.<ref>Halachos of Other People's Money pg. 67, Shu"t Igrot Moshe OC 2:107</ref>
#Even a woman may borrow a lulav without permission, even though she is not obligated to do perform the mitzva, since she is permitted to volunteer.<ref>Halachos of Other People's Money pg. 66, Shu"t Igrot Moshe OC 2:106 </ref>
#One should not borrow an etrog that is on sale, because the seller probably does not want them to be used.<ref>Halachos of Other People's Money pg. 67, Shu"t Igrot Moshe OC 2:107</ref>


==After [[Sukkot]]==
==After [[Sukkot]]==
#The [[arba minim]] don't retain their holiness after [[sukkot]], but it still should not be treated disrespectfully like being thrown into the garbage. It is permissible though to leave them somewhere even if you know somebody else will throw them in the garbage.<ref> Mishna Brurah 21:6-7, [https://www.ou.org/holidays/sukkot/halacha-lmaaseh-on-arba-minim/ OU.org], [https://www.star-k.org/articles/kashrus-kurrents/4476/shaimos-guidelines/ Star-K]. Although the Shulchan Aruch 21:1, is referring to old [[tzitzit]], Mishna Brurah 21:1 extends it to all items used for a mitzva including a lulav. </ref> One who shows extra care by burying articles used for mitzvot, will receive beracha. <ref> Rama 21:1 </ref>
 
#There are several other customs that people have to do with their [[arba minim]]. <ref> Most of these are based on [[Shabbat]] 117b which says that Rabbi Ami and Rabbi Asi would make a meal out of the bread used for the eruv, because it was already used for a mitzva. </ref>
#The [[arba minim]] don't retain their holiness after [[sukkot]], but it still should not be treated disrespectfully like being thrown into the garbage. It is permissible though to leave them somewhere even if you know somebody else will throw them in the garbage.<ref>Mishna Brurah 21:6-7, [https://www.ou.org/holidays/sukkot/halacha-lmaaseh-on-arba-minim/ OU.org], [https://www.star-k.org/articles/kashrus-kurrents/4476/shaimos-guidelines/ Star-K]. Although the Shulchan Aruch 21:1, is referring to old [[tzitzit]], Mishna Brurah 21:1 extends it to all items used for a mitzva including a lulav. </ref> One who shows extra care by burying articles used for mitzvot, will receive beracha. <ref>Rama 21:1 </ref>
*Burn the [[lulav]] in the oven baking the matzas. <ref> Rama 664:9 </ref>
#There are several other customs that people have to do with their [[arba minim]]. <ref>Most of these are based on [[Shabbat]] 117b which says that Rabbi Ami and Rabbi Asi would make a meal out of the bread used for the eruv, because it was already used for a mitzva. </ref>
*Burn the [[lulav]] on erev [[pesach]] with the chametz.  
 
*Burn the [[lulav]] in the oven baking the matzas. <ref>Rama 664:9 </ref>
*Burn the [[lulav]] on erev [[pesach]] with the chametz.
*Make [[etrog]] jelly and eat it on Tu B'shvat.
*Make [[etrog]] jelly and eat it on Tu B'shvat.
*Give the pitom of the [[etrog]] to a pregnant women as a [[prayer]] for an easy childbirth. <ref> Kaf Hachayim 664:60 mentions the last 3 </ref>
*Give the pitom of the [[etrog]] to a pregnant women as a [[prayer]] for an easy childbirth. <ref>Kaf Hachayim 664:60 mentions the last 3 </ref>
*Use the [[hadasim]] as [[besamim]] for [[Havdalah]]. <ref> Tur 297 and Bach there. </ref>
*Use the [[hadasim]] as [[besamim]] for [[Havdalah]]. <ref>Tur 297 and Bach there. </ref>


==Sources==
==Sources==
<references/>
<references />
[[Category:Holidays]]
[[Category:Holidays]]
[[Category:Sukkot]]
[[Category:Sukkot]]

Latest revision as of 13:51, 14 October 2024

Lulav.png

Based on the pasuk ולקחתם לכם ביום הראשון פרי עץ הדר כפות תמרים וענף עץ עבות וערבי נחל "And you shall take on the first day the fruit of goodly trees, branches of palm-trees, and boughs of thick trees, and willows of the brook," we learn that we need to take one lulav, one etrog, three hadasim and two aravot.[1]

Who is Obligated

  1. This mitzva of arba minim is an obligation on every individual. [2]
  2. Women are exempt from taking the arba minim because it is a mitzvah aseh shehazman grama. They are permitted and even encouraged to but while Ashkenaz women can say the beracha if they choose to do the mitzva, Sephardic women shouldn't say the beracha. [3]
  3. Women do not have to shake the lulav in all six directions as men do. [4]
  4. The obligation for children begins at the age when they can shake the lulav on their own.[5] When they reach that age, the father has an obligation to buy him a kosher set of arba minim that will be his own. [6]

Beracha

  1. On the first day of Sukkot prior to shaking the lulav, we recite the beracha of ברוך אתה ה' אלוקינו מלך העולם אשר קדשנו במצותיו וצונו על נטילת לולב and add shehecheyanu. On the remaining days, including the second day of Yom Tov[7], we don't say shehecheyanu unless the first day was shabbat, in which case we would say it on the second day. [8]
  2. If one didn't take the four minim on the first day, then he says shehecheyanu the first time that he does. [9]
  3. The beracha and taking of the arba minim should be done while standing, but if you sat, you are yotzei bidieved. [10]

When to make the Bracha

Before Doing the Mitzva (עובר לעשייתן)

  1. Since we are supposed to make the beracha before doing the mitzva (over liasiyatan)[11] and since we fulfill the mitzva of arba minim by simply lifting them together[12] it is preferable to follow one of these methods so that you say the beracha and then do the mitzva. Either
    1. take the Lulav, Hadasim, and Aravot in one’s right hand, leave the Etrog on the Table (out of the box)[13]
    2. or take the Lulav in one’s right hand, and Etrog in one’s left hand while the Etrog is upside down [14]
    3. or take the Lulav and Etrog in their upright positions and have in mind not to fulfill the mitzvah until you make the Bracha. [15]and then make the Bracha. [16]
  2. After the fact if one took all four species (before making the Bracha), one may still make the Bracha as long as one didn’t shake it yet.[17]

In the Sukkah

  1. Some have the minhag to shake the lulav after reciting the bracha in the Sukkah before praying Shacharit and then additionally to shake the Lulav during Hallel (without repeating the beracha),[18] while most recite the beracha in shul after Chazarat Hashatz of Shacharit, before Hallel.[19] Some specifically prefer that the bracha be made right before the hallel so that there isn’t an interruption between the bracha and the shaking the lulav in the hallel, one of the primary mitzvot of the lulav.[20] Alternatively, some argue that based on the principle of tadir kodem, giving precedence to the common mitzvah, one must daven Shacharit before shaking the lulav.[21]

Set up of the Arba Minim

Sephardic setup
Ashkenazic setup
  1. The Sephardic custom is to put one Hadas and one Aravah on the left of the lulav, one Hadas in the middle but slightly to the right , and one Hadas and one Aravah on the right side. [22] However, the Ashkenazic custom is to set up the Hadasim to the right of the Lulav and the Aravot to the left. [23]
  2. It is a mitzva to tie the lulav together, but if you don't it is still kosher. [24]
  3. Sephardim should tie the three together with lulav leaves in three places using double knots, [25] while Ashkenazim generally use the woven holder made of lulav leaves that has holes for the three minim, in addition to the three ties. [26] this holder is traditionally known as a keshetil.
  4. The minimum length for the lulav is four Tefachim, and the minimum length for hadasim and aravot is three Tefachim. There is no maximum length, however, if your hadasim or aravot are longer than 3 than your lulav has to remain at least a tefach taller so that at least part of it will shake recognizably. [27]
  5. One should make sure to tie it up so that the Hadasim are above the Aravot. [28]
  6. It is preferable not to have a non-jew tie them together for you, but if he does it is still kosher. [29]

How to Bind the 4 Minim (Eged)

  1. The halacha follows the opinion that it is not necessary to have the Lulav, Hadasim, and Aravot bound up together, however, it is a mitzvah and proper to do so to make the 4 minim look nicer.[30]
  2. The Etrog is not tied up with the other 3 minim. It is held in the left hand while the others are held in the right hand.[31]
  3. It is proper to bind the Lulav, Hadasim, and Aravot with a double knot.[32] The Ashkenazic minhag is to allow using the kashekel's (woven lulav leaf holders) and consider them to be a binding of the 3 minim.[33]For Sephardim, it is advised to tie the Lulav, Hadasim, and Aravot and not just use a holder.[34]
  4. If one forgot and didn't tie them before the holiday, one shouldn't tie them with a knot on Yom Tov.[35] Rather one should take a string, wrap them up, and tuck in the end of the string.[36]
    1. If one didn't do so before Yom Tov, it is permitted to peel off a leaf of the Lulav to hold the minim together with a slip knot or winding them together and tucking in the end.[37] The Ashkenazic minhag is to refrain from doing this except in private and in an abnormal fashion.[38]
    2. If one forgot to tie the 3 minim before Yom Tov it is permitted to bind them with a pre-made lulav ring.[39] However, it is forbidden to tie a lulav ring on Yom Tov. [40]

How to Hold Them

Rav Mordechai Eliyahu Lulav.jpg
  1. We need to hold the arba minim right side up, "biderech gedeilatan"-the way which they grow. [41] The species shouldn't be turned downward when shaking in the downward direction, they should always be held upright and the shaking should be towards that direction.[42]
  2. Holding the four species side-wise is incorrect.[43]
  3. The Etrog should be held together with the other species at the bottom of lulav.[44] Most hold that it is fine for the Etrog to be touching the hadasim and aravot and not directly touching the lulav spine.[45]
  4. The minhag is that the spine of the lulav should be facing towards the person shaking it. [46]
  5. One should hold the lulav (aravot and hadasim included) in the right hand and the etrog in his left hand. [47]
  6. For people whose left hand is the stronger one,
    1. Sephardim should hold it as if they were right handed and hold the lulav in the right and etrog in the left. [48]
    2. Ashkenazim should switch it, and hold the lulav in the left hand and etrog in the right hand. [49]
  7. One should hold the arba minim against each other both for the holding and for the shaking. [50]
  8. It is prohibited to have something separating between your hands and the arba minim. Therefore, one should remove one's ring and even after the fact if one shook with a ring on some say that one has to shake the lulav again without a bracha. [51] It is permitted to wear a cast or a bandage that you can't remove while shaking the lulav.[52]
  9. One may not use gloves to hold the lulav. Even after the fact one should shake it again after removing the gloves without a bracha. To avoid concerns of catching COVID one should santize one's hands before and after.[53]

Naanuim (Shaking of the Lulav)

  1. Sephardim shake the lulav before hallel when they first say the bracha and take the arba minim, then in hallel at the first hodu once, at anna hashem twice, and the second hodu once. [54]
  2. In addition to the times that Sephardim shake, Ashkenazim have the custom that the chazzan shakes in yomru na also, and the congregation shake for all four hodu's that they say after the chazzan says his part. Ashkenazim also shake at both of the final two hodus at the end of hallel.[55] (This is typical of Nusach Ashkenaz, while Nusach Sfard typically did not shake at the first of those two).
  3. One should refrain from shaking while mentioning the name of Hashem lest he become distracted while saying His name. [56]

Which direction should he shake the lulav?

  1. Sephardim and Chasidim shake towards the south, north, east, up, down, west. (If the shul faces east then to your right, left, forward, up, down, backward.)[57] One should turn his body and face the direction to which he is shaking.[58]
  2. Ashkenazim shake east, south, west, north, up, down. Face forward and shake clockwise.[59] You don't have to turn your body to face that direction, you can just shake the lulav towards that direction while facing forward.[60]
  3. If someone is in a shul that has a minhag to shake in a certain direction he should follow their practice.[61] Some are lenient and don't consider it Lo Titgodedu.[62]

Borrowing without Permission

  1. One may borrow a lulav and etrog without asking permission. Since it is a mitzva and the risk of damage is low, we can assume that the owner would allow it.[63] However, if the one knows that the owner is meticulous about his, or circumstances dictate that he probably is such as it is meticulously wrapped or put away n a private locker, one should not use it without permission.[64] This refers to the later days of Sukkot, However, on the first day (or first two outside of Israel) one does not fulfill his obligation with a borrowed lulav, even if it is with permission.[65]
  2. Even a woman may borrow a lulav without permission, even though she is not obligated to do perform the mitzva, since she is permitted to volunteer.[66]
  3. One should not borrow an etrog that is on sale, because the seller probably does not want them to be used.[67]

After Sukkot

  1. The arba minim don't retain their holiness after sukkot, but it still should not be treated disrespectfully like being thrown into the garbage. It is permissible though to leave them somewhere even if you know somebody else will throw them in the garbage.[68] One who shows extra care by burying articles used for mitzvot, will receive beracha. [69]
  2. There are several other customs that people have to do with their arba minim. [70]

Sources

  1. ↑ sukka 34b based on Vayikra 23:40, Sefer Hachinuch Mitzva 324, Shulchan Aruch 651:1
  2. ↑ Sukka 41b. Tosafot there says that since the pasuk says ולקחתם in the plural and not in the singular we know that it is on everyone.
  3. ↑ Mishna Sukkah 28, Bikurei Yakov 657:5, Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 640:1.
    There is a major dispute regarding women and the recitation of a beracha when they perform mitzvot that are time bound (which they are exempt from). The Rambam (Hilchot Tzitzit 3:9) holds that since women are exempt from the Mitzvah of Tzitzit, they can't make a Bracha on it (see also Hilchot Shofar Sukkah Vilulav 6:13 about sitting in a Sukkah). On the other hand, the Raavad (Hilchot Tzitzit 3:9) and Tosfot (Eruvin 96a, Rosh Hashanah 33a, Kiddshin 31a s.v. lo mifkadana) quoting Rabbenu Tam, argue that even if women are exempt from a mitzvah, they may recite the bracha if they opt to perform the mitzvah. The Maggid Mishna Hilhot Sukkah 6:13 explains the Rambam as saying that it is impossible to say VeTzivanu if a person is exempt from the mitzvah. Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 589:6 follows the Rambam, while the Rama Orach Chaim 17:2 accepts the Rabbenu Tam.
    • What emerges from the halacha is that Ashkenazim hold that women may recite the bracha upon a mitzvah that they are volunteering to do, while according to Sepharadim they may not.
    • Chacham Ovadia Yosef (Shu"t Yabea Omer 2:OC 6, Shu"t Yechave Daat 1:68, Chazon Ovadia Sukkot 149-151) very strongly encourages following Shulchan Aruch that women should not say a beracha.
    • However, see Chida (Birkei Yosef 654:2) who opines that even Sephardim have what to rely upon to follow Rabbenu Tam and Kaf Hachaim Orach Chaim 17:4 who quotes this. Similarly, given the dozens of Poskim who rule that a Sephardic woman may recite the beracha, and that this was the custom in their communities, Rav Mordechai Lebhar (Magen Avot, Orach Chaim 589:6) writes that women from those communities may continue with their traditions, but others may not, as the Shulchan Aruch rules stringently and we would say Safek Berachot Lehakel.
  4. ↑ Shu"t Rav Pealim 1:12
  5. ↑ Sukka 42a, Rambam Hilchot sukka 7:19. The Mishna Brurah 657:1 adds even if a child is six years old, the usual age of chinuch, if he cannot shake the lulav properly, one is not obligated to train him in this mitzva.
  6. ↑ Shulchan Aruch 657:1. Beiur Halacha there "kidei lichancho" adds that it must be kosher, and Iggerot Moshe OC 3:95 adds that it should be his own if possible.
  7. ↑ Hagahot Maimoniyot Brachot 11:3 writes there's no bracha on lulav the second day since we already did it yesterday but then he concludes that the minhag Ashkenaz was to recite it and the Rabbenu Peretz agreed.
  8. ↑ Shulchan Aruch 662:1-2.
  9. ↑ Mishna Brurah 662:3
  10. ↑ Chazon Ovadia p. 416 quoting the Shibbolei Haleket 366, and the Sefer Yereim 114 that its based on a gezeira shava learned from sefirat haomer. The halacha regarding sefirat haomer is in Rambam Hilchot Temidim Umusafim 7:23. Mahari Vayil 191 explicitly states that one should shake the lulav while standing. Lehorot Natan 11:69 concludes that both the bracha and mitzvah should be done standing.
  11. ↑ Pesachim 7b, Rambam Hilchot Lulav 7:6
  12. ↑ Sukka 42a
  13. ↑ As the Rambam says in Hilchot Sukka 7:5 the taking of the daled minim are all one mitzva and are miakev each other (meaning taking 3 without the 4th doesn't fulfill anything.) Therefore, until you take the etrog you haven't fulfilled your obligation, then you say the beracha, and then fulfill your obligation. The Bach 651 says that this option only works according to Rabbeinu Tam cited in Tosafot Sukkah 34b s.v. Shetehei who holds that one must take all four species simultaneously to fulfill his obligation. The Rosh Sukkah 3:14 disagrees and says there is no need to take all four together. Therefore, the Bach says this suggestion wouldn't work according to the Rosh. However, the Shaar Hatziyun 651:28 disagrees with the Bach and says even according to the Rosh this suggestion would work because even though you don't need to lift them simultaneously, you haven't fulfilled your obligation until you lift all four at least at some point. Beur Gra 651:16 thinks this solution doesn't work.
  14. ↑ Holding the etrog upside down allows you not to fulfill your obligation until you flip it over because the Gemara Sukka 42a that in order to fulfill the mitzva of taking the daled minim all four have to be held kiderech gideilatan"-the way in which they grow. Mishna Brurah 652:16 says you aren't even yotze bidieved. Bach 651 (mentioned in the previous suggestion) says based on the aforementioned Rosh this suggestion would also not work unless you held all 4 minim upside down. Beur Gra 651:16 thinks this solution doesn't work.
  15. ↑ This works because even if we say mitzvot don't need kavana (argument in Rosh Hashana 28b see http://halachipedia.com/index.php?title=Having_Kavana_for_Mitzvot ) to be yotze, most poskim agree that kavana not to be yotze doesn't fulfill your obligation. (Bet Yosef 589 and S”A 6:4). Rav Yosef Dov Soloveitchik in Reshimot Shiurim Sukkah 39a notes that this suggestion is only valid if over li'asiyatan requires one to recite the beracha prior to the fulfillment of the mitzvah but not if the beracha needs to be recited before the performance of the mitzva. Taz OC 651:5, writes that this suggestion is difficult as one may forget to have specific intent not to fulfill the mitzvah when he lifts them. However, this is the preferred method of the Biur Hagra 651:5.
  16. ↑ All three suggestions are made by tosafot in sukka 39a "over". Shulchan Aruch O.C. 651:5 suggests the first two suggestions, while the Mishna Brurah 651:25 quotes the Bet Yosef who brings the third option and quotes the Gra as saying that the third option is the most preferable. The Mishna Brurah makes no mention of which option is preferable. Yalkut Yosef (Kitzur S”A 651:14) also brings all three opinions and doesn’t decide on which is most preferable.
  17. ↑ Tosfot Pesachim 7b s.v. bidna, Rosh Sukka 3:33, Chayei Adam 148:11, Mishna Brurah 651:27, and Yalkut Yosef (Kitzur S”A 651:14). The Rabbeinu Nissim Sukka 20b "U'Midefarchinan" says that this is permitted even lechatchilah. The Bikkurei Yaakov 651:20 extends it to the entire hallel and the Aruch Hashulchan 651:14 says that as long as your still holding your lulav you can still say the beracha. Shaar Hatziyun 651:32 however rejects this opinion.
  18. ↑ This practice is mentioned by the Mishna Brura 652:4
  19. ↑ Shulchan Aruch O.C. 644:1
  20. ↑ Nefesh Harav p. 217, Rav Tzvi Pesach Frank in Mikraei Kodesh 2:16
  21. ↑ Shu"t Igrot Moshe OC 4:99 writes that the practice to do so earlier in the Sukkah is only for very unique individuals who are very careful to carry the lulav everywhere. However, generally it is a violation of tadir kodem. Additionally, Teshuvot Vehanagot 5:216 notes that this was the practice of the Rav Velve Soloveitchik to recite the bracha on lulav before Hallel. Similarly, Rav Yitzchak Yosef (Motzei Shabbat Haazinu 5779 min. 6) explains that his father, Rav Ovadia Yosef, never took the lulav to shake it in the Sukkah. Rav Hershel Schachter (cited in Sukkos Packet for Young Israel of Woodmere 5781 p. 6) records that this was also Rav Soloveitchik's practice to shake the lulav in shul before Hallel.
  22. ↑ Magen Avraham 651:4 quoting the Arizal writes that one should put one Hadas and one Aravah on the left of the lulav, one Hadas in the middle together with the Lulav, and one Hadas and one Aravah on the right side. The Shaar HaTziyun 651:11 quotes the Pri Megadim who says that one shouldn’t follow that practice unless one is known for his piety. However, Yalkut Yosef (Moadim pg 160, Sukkot p. 75) writes that the Sephardic custom is to follow the Arizal. The Chazon Ovadyah (Sukkot pg 343) also quotes the Magen Avraham.
  23. ↑ Mishna Brurah 651:12, Nitei Gavriel (Arba Minim 40:4). Mishna Brurah there adds that this is true for a lefty as well.
  24. ↑ Shulchan Aruch 651:1. Mishna Brurah 651:8 explains although we don't hold like the shita of Rabbi Yehuda on sukka 11b who says that you need to tie it together, there is still the mitzva of hiddur mitzva from the pasuk of זֶה אֵלִי וְאַנְוֵהוּ. Yalkut Yosef Moadim 159, Chazon Ovadia sukkot 340
  25. ↑ Shulchan Aruch 651:1, Chazon Ovadia sukkot 342 quotes the Sefer Yiraim 124 also and says that is the custom. He also quotes the Chatam Sofer sukka 36b as saying that since the mitzva of hiddur is objective based on what the torah told us, we should only use the double knots made of lulav leaves and not use the handles that they have nowadays. Mishna Brurah 651:14 quotes the Mordechai explaining that these three ties are representative of the three patriarchs
  26. ↑ Mishna Brurah 651:8 quoting the Shu"t Agura Biohalecha (12:273). Tzitz Eliezer 13:43 agrees to this as well.
  27. ↑ sukka 32b with Ritva, Ran, and Meiri there. Rambam Hilchot sukka 7:8 agrees too.
  28. ↑ Rama 651:1, Mishna Brurah 651:12, Nitei Gavriel 40:8, Chazon Ovadyah (Sukkot pg 343-4)
  29. ↑ Yalkut Yosef Moadim page 159
  30. ↑ Gemara Sukkah 33a and 36b cites a dispute between Rabbi Yehuda who holds that there is an obligation to bind the 3 minim together and the Rabbis who hold that it is only preferable in order to make the mitzvah nicer. Rambam (Lulav 7:4) and Shulchan Aruch O.C. 651:1 hold like the Rabbis.
  31. ↑ Rambam (Lulav 7:4), Shulchan Aruch 651:2, Yalkut Yosef 651:2
  32. ↑ Shulchan Aruch 651:1
  33. ↑ Mishna Brurah 651:8 citing the Agurah BeOhalecha. Bikkurei Yacov 651:8 writes that lulav rings as a binding is the equivalent of using a lulav kashekel.
  34. ↑ Yalkut Yosef 651:3
  35. ↑ Shulchan Aruch 651:1 writes that one may not tie a knot for the purposes of binding the 3 minim. See, the Chida (Moreh BeEtzbah n. 291) seems to say that there's no issue of making knots with lulav leaves. Kaf HaChaim 651:19 rejects this opinion. Yalkut Yosef 651:6 writes that if one didn't tie it before Yom Tov there's what to rely on to tie it with a double knot on Yom Tov.
  36. ↑ Tur and Rama 651:1, Yalkut Yosef 651:6
  37. ↑ Kaf HaChaim 651:20
  38. ↑ Shaarei Teshuva 651:3, Piskei Teshuvot 651:3
  39. ↑ Bikkurei Yacov 651:8
  40. ↑ Piskei Teshuvot 651:3
  41. ↑ sukka 45b. Mishna Brurah 652:16 and Chazon Ovadia Hilchot sukka page 340 say you aren't even yotze bidieved.
  42. ↑ Kaf Hachaim 651:47, Chazon Ovadia p. 341
  43. ↑ Chazon Ovadia p. 341
  44. ↑ Shaar Hakavaot 103b, Ben Ish Chai (Shana Rishona Haazinu n. 14), Kaf Hachaim 651:48. The picture of Rav Mordechai Eliyahu to the right as well as this video of Rav Ovadia Yosef (min 1:13) indicate that this is the correct way to hold the lulav and etrog. However, there is a Chabad minhag to hold the etrog at a slight degree away from the lulav but connected at the bottom (Sefer Haminhagim Chabad p. 66, Piskei Hasiddur dinei lulav fnt. 84).
  45. ↑ Nitai Gavriel 54:9 citing the Shaar HaKavanot 103b
  46. ↑ Mishna Brurah 651:47, Chazon Ovadia Sukkot 358, Ben Ish Chai Haazinu 13 against the Eliyah Rabba 650 and the Orchot Chaim 23 quoting the Raavad who say that the spine should be facing away from him
  47. ↑ Shulchan Aruch 651:2. Mishna Brurah 15 explains that this is because the lulav, aravot, and hadasim have three parts of the mitzva while the etrog is only one.
  48. ↑ Tur 651, Shulchan Aruch 651:3. See Kaf Hachaim 651:38.
  49. ↑ Rama (quoting the Rosh 3:25 and Rabbeinu Yerucham) 651:3. Rama adds that if a lefty held it as if he were a righty, he is still yotzei. see however, Orchos Rabbeinu 2:pg. 288 that the Steipler who was a lefty and Ashkenazi, followed the Shulchan Aruch and not the Rama's ruling.
  50. ↑ Shulchan Aruch 651:11
  51. ↑ Beit Yosef 651 says for those who wear tefillin during chol hamoed remove it for the arba minim, although technically they don't have to because it doesn't cover the whole hand. Rama 651:7 paskins like this as well. The bach and the biurei hagra there however, both say that you must remove it because its considered a chatzitza as long as its not for the hiddur mitzva. Mishna Brurah 651:36 quotes some who hold that if one shook the lulav with a ring one should shake it again after removing the ring without a bracha. See Halichot Shlomo p. 224 who seems to hold that a ring isn't a problem since it only covers a minority of the hand and one could hold the lulav even without that area of the hand.
  52. ↑ Halichot Shlomo p. 224, Chazon Ovadia 417-419
  53. ↑ Minchat Asher (Yerach Eytanim Biydan Corona n. 15), Mishna Brurah 651:33
  54. ↑ Even though the mishnah in sukka 37b doesn't mention any before hallel, Tosefot there "bihodu" adds that we should shake before also. Shulchan Aruch 651:8 and Chazon Ovadia sukkot 356 both agree to this.
  55. ↑ Rama 651:8 and Mishna Brurah 41.
  56. ↑ Mishna Brurah 651:37, Kaf Hachayim 651:84, Chazon Ovadia 655
  57. ↑ Chazon Ovadia 352-353 rules like the Arizal against Shulchan Aruch O.C. 651:10 who says to start at east and turn clockwise.
  58. ↑ Bikkurei Yaakov 651:36 quoting the Ari as well as the Kaf Hachayim 651:96
  59. ↑ Maharil, Shulchan Aruch O.C. 651:10, Mishna Brurah 651:47. There is a third ordering of directions to shake the lulav that is not common. That is the opinion of Levush 651 that the order is: east, north, west, south, up, down.
  60. ↑ Mishna Brurah 651:37 quoting the Magen Avraham and the Maamar Mordechai.
  61. ↑ Orchot Rabbenu v. 3 p. 91, Chazon Ovadia Sukkah p. 355. Chazon Ovadia quotes all the reasons that it isn't necessary to have one practice in this case but concludes that it is proper to establish one practice for each community.
  62. ↑ Piskei Teshuvot 651:13 based on Aruch Hashulchan 651:22
  63. ↑ Rama 649:5 based on Terumat Hadeshen 100, Pri Megadim MZ 649:7, Halachos of Other People's Money pg. 66
  64. ↑ Halachos of Other People's Money pg. 67
  65. ↑ Shulchan Aruch 649:2, Halachos of Other People's Money pg. 67
  66. ↑ Halachos of Other People's Money pg. 66, Shu"t Igrot Moshe OC 2:106
  67. ↑ Halachos of Other People's Money pg. 67, Shu"t Igrot Moshe OC 2:107
  68. ↑ Mishna Brurah 21:6-7, OU.org, Star-K. Although the Shulchan Aruch 21:1, is referring to old tzitzit, Mishna Brurah 21:1 extends it to all items used for a mitzva including a lulav.
  69. ↑ Rama 21:1
  70. ↑ Most of these are based on Shabbat 117b which says that Rabbi Ami and Rabbi Asi would make a meal out of the bread used for the eruv, because it was already used for a mitzva.
  71. ↑ Rama 664:9
  72. ↑ Kaf Hachayim 664:60 mentions the last 3
  73. ↑ Tur 297 and Bach there.
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