Beit Midrash
- Shabbat and Holidays
- Sukkot
- Arba'at Haminim
Answer: This year the Arba Minim (4 Species) are not taken on 1st day YomTov, which is Shabbat (in fact, they are muktze - except for the Etrog - & should not be moved). So we wait until Sunday to take them for the first time (the Mitzva is thus a Rabbinic one rather than a Biblical commandment) & we recite the Shehecheyanu then. Women are not obligated in the Lulav, but do fulfill an optional Mitzva by taking it. One may make a gift of his Lulav to another person so that he can fulfill the Mitzva, even stipulating that it be returned when he finishes with it.
In order to best keep the Hadasim & Aravot fresh, one should wrap them in plastic or foil, with a wet napkin inside, & place them in the fridge when they are not being used. Since the Lulav is not used on Shabbat, the Hoshanot prayer ("Om N'tzora") is said without the usual encircling of the Bimah (when shuls are open!).
How will I Buy my Esrog this Year? (motzei shveet)
Rabbi Yirmiyohu Kaganoff | Elul 24 5775
The Laws of the Hadas
How to chose the Arba Minim
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House Call
At the Shabbat Table
Rabbi Daniel Kirsch | Tishrei 13 5781
