Summary of the Halachot of the Arba Minim (Four Species)

Rabbi Shay Tahan

1. The Four Species: 

   - The four species are the lulav (palm branch), etrog (citron), hadassim (myrtle branches), and aravot (willow branches). These must be taken together to fulfill the mitzvah. 

   - The mitzvah of the Arba Minim is performed every day of Sukkot except on Shabbat. 

2. Requirements for Each Species: 

The measurements mentioned are 8-10 cm per tefach; thus, ideally, the lulav should be about 32 cm, and the hadas and aravah should be about 24 cm. However, the Shulchan Aruch 650 brings a smaller measurement.

   - Lulav: The lulav spine must be at least 4 tefachim in length, and the top of its spine (the central leaf) should be straight and not split. It should be fresh and green, not dried out. 

There are various opinions on whether the top spine of the lulav may be split at all, or if a small split is acceptable, and to what extent.

   - Etrog: The etrog must be whole and unblemished. It should not have any significant spots or damage that affects its beauty (hadar). A black dot on the upper part of the etrog, where it starts bending upwards, may invalidate it. Additionally, two or more black dots on the rest of the etrog also invalidate it. Common brown spots on an etrog are often leaf marks, which occur when the etrog grows with a leaf resting against it. These marks typically do not invalidate the etrog, as they are considered natural and do not detract from the hadar (beauty) of the etrog. The pitom (the stem at the top) should be intact, though the etrog is kosher if it was detached from the tree without a pitom. 

   - Hadassim: Three branches are used. Each branch should be at least 3 tefachim long, with clusters of three leaves growing from the same point along the branch. The majority of the branch should have leaves. 

   - Aravot: Two willow branches are used. They should be at least 3 tefachim in length. The leaves should be long, smooth-edged, and fresh, not dried out. 

3. Binding the Lulav: 

   - The lulav, hadassim, and aravot are bound together, typically with strips of palm leaves. The hadassim are placed on the right side of the lulav, and the aravot on the left.  According to the Arizal, the hadassim are placed with one to the right of the lulav, one to the left, and the third in the back. The two aravot are also spread, with one on the right and one on the left.

   - The etrog is held separately in the left hand when performing the mitzvah. 

4. When to Shake the Arba Minim: 

   - The mitzvah is performed during the day, ideally before Shacharit or during the morning prayers (Shacharit) before Hallel, but it can be done at any time during the day. According to the Arizal one should try to shake the Lulav in the Sukkah.

   - Before the bracha is recited, the lulav with the hadassim and aravot are held without the etrog, and some hold the etrog upside down. Then the blessings "Al netilat lulav" and “She’cheyanu” are recited, and afterward, the etrog is taken or turned right-side up and brought close to the lulav.

   - After the blessing, the lulav and etrog are shaken in six directions while held close together.

Here’s the standard sequence according to the Arizal custom (Some have different customs regarding how to turn and shake the lulav):

1. South (right)

2. North (left)

3. East (straight)

4. Up

5. Down

6. West (backward)

5. Who Is Obligated? 

   - Men are obligated to perform the mitzvah of the Arba Minim, while women are exempt but may choose to perform the mitzvah if they wish. If a woman decides to shake the lulav, according to Sephardi halacha, she would do so without reciting the blessing. However, according to Ashkenazi practice, she may recite the blessing.

   - The Arba Minim should be owned by the person performing the mitzvah. On the first day of Sukkot, they must belong to the person fulfilling the mitzvah and not be borrowed. Therefore, when sharing, it is customary to give the Arba Minim as a temporary gift (matana al menat lehachzir). 

6. Care for the Arba Minim: 

   - The species should be kept fresh throughout Sukkot. The lulav and branches can be wrapped in moist paper or kept in water to prevent them from drying out. 

   - The etrog should be handled carefully to avoid damage, as an etrog with significant blemishes may become invalid.