The Torah (five books of Moses) directs Jews to use four species of plants to celebrate the holiday of sukkot: The Etrog (citron, a large yellow citrus fruit), Lulav (palm branch), three hadassim (myrtle branches) and two aravot (willow branches). The etrog is handled separately, while the other three species are bound together, and are collectively referred to as the lulav.
The way the lulav is bound together with the hadassim and arovot varies by custom. Some place the three hadassim on the Lulav's right and the two aravot are placed on its left. Others like chabad place one aravah to the right of the lulav and the second aravah to its left, and cover them with the three hadassim --one on the right, the second on the left, and the third atop the lulav's spine, leaning slightly to the right.
External Links
Chabad customs relating to the four species
See Also
Last updated: 08-22-2005 10:24:37
