Learn how to bind the Lulav on Erev Sukkos, arrange the Hadassim and Aravos, recite the blessing, hold the Four Minim, and perform the Chabad order of shaking in six directions.
Introduction
The mitzvah of the Four Minim unites the Lulav, Esrog, Hadassim, and Aravos into a single act of service to Hashem. Careful preparation begins on Erev Sukkos, when the Lulav bundle is arranged and bound according to the accepted custom.
Each morning of Sukkos, beginning as early as possible, the Four Minim are held upright, joined together, and moved in six directions. The following summarizes the practical Chabad customs for binding the Lulav, reciting the blessing, and performing the movements.
Important Disclaimer
This is a practical summary only. Several details, opinions, explanations, sources, and exceptional cases have been omitted. For the complete laws and customs of the Four Minim, consult our Sefer on Sukkos and Daled Minim or the relevant section of ShulchanAruchHarav.com.
Binding the Lulav
- The Lulav should be bound on Erev Sukkos inside the Sukkah.
- The Rebbe would bind the Lulav after midday.
- It is proper for the person performing the mitzvah to bind the Lulav personally.
- A woman or child should not initially bind a man’s Lulav.
- The Chabad custom is not to use a woven Lulav holder or pocket. Instead, the bundle is bound directly with leaves taken from the Lulav.
The Two Knots on the Lulav
- Two knots are first tied around the Lulav itself using Lulav leaves.
- These knots are separate from the three knots subsequently tied around the complete bundle.
Positioning the Hadassim and Aravos
- Three Hadassim are positioned around the Lulav: one to the right, one to the left, and one in the center.
- The two Aravos are inserted between the Hadassim in an inconspicuous fashion.
- The Hadassim should cover the two knots previously tied around the Lulav.
The Three Knots Around the Bundle
- After arranging the Hadassim and Aravos, three additional knots are tied around the complete bundle.
- All three knots should fit within one Tefach, approximately eight centimeters.
- The Hadassim and Aravos should preferably be bound toward the bottom of the Lulav so that the person’s hand holds the Lulav, Hadassim, and Aravos together while performing the mitzvah.
- If they were positioned higher and were not held directly, the mitzvah is nevertheless fulfilled.
Required Height of the Lulav
- The spine of the Lulav must extend at least one Tefach above the tops of the Hadassim and Aravos.
- The spine ends where it begins dividing into the upper leaves.
- The Tiyomes extending beyond that point is not counted as part of the spine for this measurement.
Performing the Mitzvah
- One should rise early to perform the mitzvah of the Four Minim.
- One should not eat before fulfilling the mitzvah.
- If the person will be unable to perform it until after midday, food may be eaten beforehand.
- It is a Mitzvah Min Hamuvchar to perform the mitzvah inside the Sukkah. Accordingly, the blessing and initial movements should be performed in the Sukkah before leaving for Shacharis.
- All four species must remain in their natural upright direction. The Lulav, Hadassim, and Aravos point upward, and the Esrog is held with its Pitum facing upward.
Right-Handed and Left-Handed People
- A right-handed person holds the Lulav bundle in the right hand and the Esrog in the left hand.
- A left-handed person holds the Lulav bundle in the left hand and the Esrog in the right hand.
The Blessing Procedure
- The person faces east throughout the blessing and the six directional movements. This means geographic east and not necessarily the direction of Jerusalem.
- The Lulav bundle is taken in the dominant hand, with the spine facing the person.
- The Esrog remains on the table while the blessing of Al Netilas Lulav is recited.
- After completing the blessing, the Esrog is lifted in the other hand.
- On the first day of Sukkos, Shehechiyanu is then recited.
- The top third of the Esrog is joined to the lower portion of the Lulav bundle.
- The Esrog is held at a slight angle while remaining upright.
The Six Directions
The Four Minim are extended and returned three times in each of the following directions:
- Southeast, toward the person’s right
- Northeast, toward the person’s left
- East, directly forward
- Upward
- Downward
- West, toward the back
- When moving westward, the first two movements are made toward the southwest, behind the person’s right side. The third movement is made directly westward.
- The Lulav remains upright throughout every movement. It is not turned upside down when directing it downward.
- After each Holacha, the outward extension, the Lulav is shaken before performing the Hovah, the return toward the chest.
- Throughout the movements, the Esrog remains covered by the hand. On the final movement, the Esrog is revealed slightly.
Practical Summary
| Stage | What to Do |
| Time of binding | Erev Sukkos, preferably inside the Sukkah |
| Personal involvement | Bind one’s own Lulav |
| Lulav holder | Chabad custom is not to use a pocket |
| Knots on Lulav | Two knots made from Lulav leaves |
| Hadassim | Right, left, and center |
| Aravos | Placed discreetly between the Hadassim |
| Knots on bundle | Three knots within one Tefach |
| Lulav height | Spine extends one Tefach above Hadassim and Aravos |
| Preferred time | Early in the morning, before eating |
| Preferred place | Inside the Sukkah |
| Position | All four species upright |
| Direction faced | East |
| Before blessing | Hold Lulav; leave Esrog on table |
| After blessing | Lift Esrog and join it to the bundle |
| First day | Recite Shehechiyanu after lifting the Esrog |
| Movements | Three times in each of six directions |
| Downward movement | Keep Lulav upright |
| Esrog | Keep covered until the final movement |