Every day of Sukkot (except Shabbat) we take the Arba Minim, aka "Four Kinds." Sukkot is a seven-day holiday starting on Tishrei 15 and concluding on Tishrei 21.
What are the four kinds? A palm branch (lulav), two willows (aravot), a minimum of three myrtles (haddasim), and one citron (etrog). The first three kinds are neatly bundled together—your Arba Minim vendor can assemble it for you.
Not all sets of Arba Minim on the market are kosher. Check with your rabbi. And treat your set with TLC—they're fragile goods!
Arba Minim is a man's obligation. For women, it's optional but encouraged. Best place for doing this mitzvah is the sukkah, the outdoor holiday booth.
Hold the lulav in your right hand (unless you're a lefty) with its spine facing you. Face east and say:
Blessed are You, Lord our G‑d King of the Universe who has sanctified us with His commandments and commanded regarding taking the Lulav.
Treat your set with TLC—they're fragile goods!
Pick up the etrog in your left hand.
[On the first day of Sukkot (or the first time on Sukkot you get to do this), at this point say:
Blessed are You, Lord our G‑d King of the Universe who has granted us life, sustained us and enabled us to reach this occasion.]
Bring the lulav and etrog together and wave them—you've done the mitzvah!
Nevertheless, the custom is to wave the Arba Minim in all six directions—South, North, up, down, East and West.
Take along your Arba Minim to the synagogue for the morning services. We wave them again during the hallel prayer and then parade them around the synagogue during the hosha'anot ceremony.
Jewish unity is one of the central themes of Sukkot. The four kinds you are holding symbolize four types of Jews, with differing levels of Torah knowledge and observance. Bringing them together represents our unity as a nation—despite our external differences. So in this spirit of unity, be sure to share your Arba Minim with your Jewish friends and neighbors!
Click here for more about the Arba Minim.
Click here to purchase a set of Arba Minim.
