Binding
the 4 Species |
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There are several customs concerning the tying of the Lulab (Ashk: Lulav). We are presenting
here, the two most common customs.
You will need a Lulab, 3 Hadassim (myrtle)
and two 'Araboth (willows), apart from the Ethrogh
which is held separately. These make up the four
species.
The length of the Lulab must be no less than
4 Tefahim (handbreadths) and the tip should not
be cut or broken. Hadas and 'Arabah must be no less
than 3 Tefahim. The leaves of the Hadas must be
in clusters of 3 and they must both be fresh and
not dried out.
They are tied as follows:
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Sephardi
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Ashkenazi
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Place the Lulab in front of you, so that
the spine is facing you.
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Place the Lulav in front of you, so that
the spine is facing you.
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1. Place one Hadas (Myrtle branch)
slightly to the right of the Lulab's spine.
Place the second Hadas completely to the right.
Place the third Hadas to it's left.
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1. Place a basket with holders for
the branches, on the lulab.
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2. Place one 'Arabah (Willow branch)
on the Hadassim on the right and the other on the
left.
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2. Place all three Hadassim (Myrtle
branches) in the basket on the right.
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3. Tie them together in three places
on the spine (to represent the three Aboth (Patiarchs,
o.b.m), with double or bow knots.
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3. Place the two Aravot (Willow stems)
in the basket on the left.
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The Hadassim should be higher than the 'Araboth.
When they are carried for ritual purposes, the
Lulab and Ethrogh are held together, with the Lulab
in the right hand and the Ethrogh in the left. They
should be carried in this way, even when holding
a Siddur (Prayer Book).
All the items must be placed and held in the
direction in which they grow, i.e. the tops of the
stems/branches facing up.
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To learn what these 4 species
represent and how they are used, visit our main Sukkoth page.
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