Lulav
A closed date palm branch. It has taste (dates) but no fragrance. Like someone who studies Torah but may not yet do many mitzvot.
Lulav & etrog
How to shake the lulav and etrog.
It takes about a minute, you do not need any experience, and the tradition is thousands of years old. Here is how to do it.
What is in the set
Four species, four kinds of people
Etrog
A citron with both taste and fragrance. Like someone with both Torah and good deeds.
Hadassim
Three myrtle branches. Fragrant but without taste, like good deeds without much learning.
Aravot
Two willow branches. Neither taste nor fragrance, but essential. Every Jew counts.
How to do it
Shaking the four species
- Hold the lulav in your right hand.The spine faces you, with the myrtle bound on its right and the willow on its left. Now say the blessing.
- Pick up the etrog in your left hand.Hold it upright, stem end down, the way it grows on the tree, and bring it right up against the lulav.
- Bring them together and shake.Move your hands forward and back three times in each direction. The Chabad custom is right, left, front, up, down, back.
- Do it on each day of Sukkot except Shabbat.On the first day, add the Shehecheyanu blessing.
In the streets
A mitzvah you can take with you.
Every year we set out with a kosher set so anyone can pause on their errand, make the blessing and shake the lulav. It takes a minute and often becomes a lifelong memory.
Want us to visit your office or building? Just ask.
FAQ
Lulav and etrog questions
What are the four species?
A lulav (closed palm branch), an etrog (citron), three hadassim (myrtle branches) and two aravot (willow branches).
What is the blessing?
Before shaking we say the blessing on taking the lulav. On the first day we also say Shehecheyanu.
Do we shake the lulav on Shabbat?
No. The lulav is not shaken on Shabbat, even during Sukkot.
Where do I buy a set?
Sets are sold across Israel in the weeks before Sukkot. Ask us and we will help you pick one that is kosher.
Which direction do we shake in?
Customs differ. The Chabad custom is right, left, front, up, down, and back. We are happy to show you in person.
Can children shake the lulav?
Absolutely. It is one of the most memorable Sukkot moments for children.
See it in person
Not sure you will get it right?
Send us a note and we will show you how, in English, in under a minute.
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