Related reading: Printable Erev Yom Kippur Order, PDF and Explanation and Printable Tu Bishvat Fruit Seder: PDF and Explanation.
Taking the lulav is the practical order for fulfilling the mitzvah of the Four Species on Sukkot: taking the lulav, etrog, hadassim and aravot, reciting the blessing, bringing the species together and shaking them according to community custom. This page includes a basic review-ready order, when the mitzvah is performed, word meanings, audio/narration guidance, a printable-page structure, a children’s activity and a short quiz.
This is an original editorial guide. It does not replace an authoritative siddur, rabbinic guidance, community custom or a halachic check of the Four Species. Before publishing vocalized blessings, a detailed shaking order for a specific rite, official audio or a designed PDF, the site should review the text, licensing, custom and divine-name policy.
In Brief: What Does the Lulav Order Include?
The order includes three main parts: preparing the Four Species, reciting the blessing and shaking. The lulav, hadassim and aravot are bound together, while the etrog is held separately until it is brought together with the bundle for the mitzvah.
In many communities, the blessing over taking the lulav is recited on each Sukkot day when the lulav is taken, and on the first day or the first time one fulfills the mitzvah that year, Shehecheyanu is added. The lulav is not taken on Shabbat, even when Shabbat falls during Sukkot.
Basic Order - Review Before Publication
This order is suitable for a general instructional page. It is worded carefully because customs differ regarding how the species are held, the order of directions, the number of shakes and optional Yehi Ratzon prayers.
- Stand in a suitable place, calmly and without distractions.
- Hold the lulav bundle with the hadassim and aravot in the right hand. A left-handed person or someone with another custom should follow their custom.
- Hold the etrog in the left hand. In many customs, it is first held not in its normal growing position so that the blessing precedes the complete performance of the mitzvah.
- Recite: “Baruch Atah Adonai Eloheinu Melech ha-olam asher kid’shanu b’mitzvotav v’tzivanu al netilat lulav.”
- On the first day of the festival, or the first time one recites the blessing that year, add Shehecheyanu.
- Bring the etrog together with the lulav bundle in its normal position.
- Shake the Four Species together according to community custom.
- During Hallel, shake in the customary places, such as “Hodu LaShem ki tov ki le’olam chasdo” and “Ana Adonai hoshi’ah na,” according to rite and custom.
When Is the Lulav Taken?
The mitzvah is performed during the day, not at night. It is customary to take the lulav in the morning, near Shacharit or before Hallel, and some have the custom to recite the blessing in the sukkah before prayer. One who did not take it in the morning may do so later in the day while the mitzvah time remains.
Today, the lulav is taken on all days of Sukkot in memory of the Temple, but not on Shabbat. If the first festival day falls on Shabbat, the lulav is not taken that day, and Shehecheyanu is said the first time the mitzvah is actually performed, according to custom.
What Does the Blessing Mean?
Who sanctified us with His commandments - The mitzvah is not only a technical action. It brings the person into a space of holiness.
And commanded us - The blessing is said in the plural, as part of the people of Israel.
Concerning taking the lulav - Although the mitzvah includes four species, the lulav is the tallest and most visible, so the blessing is named for it.
Shehecheyanu - A blessing for reaching a special time: another festival, another mitzvah, another chance to begin again with joy.
How Are the Species Shaken?
The shaking expresses prayer and gratitude in all directions: forward, backward, right, left, upward and downward. Some communities begin toward the east, some begin toward the south according to the custom of the Ari, and there are additional differences in how one turns, how many times one shakes and how the shaking is done during Hallel.
A public page should present the principle rather than rule on every detail: shake the Four Species together in all directions according to community custom. If the site includes video or animation, clearly label which custom the demonstration follows.
Audio/Narration Idea
An audio guide should help users prepare for the mitzvah without overwhelming them during the moment of performance. Recommended elements:
- A short opening: “Order of taking the lulav for Sukkot - preparation, blessing and shaking.”
- A clear reading of the blessings after text and vocalization review.
- Step-by-step guidance: holding, blessing, joining the etrog, shaking.
- A children’s version explaining the Four Species and what each person holds.
- A clear note if divine names are included and what to do if the audio is interrupted.
Before uploading official audio, review the text, pronunciation, divine-name policy, recording rights and the custom being presented.
Printable Page or PDF: Recommended Structure
A printable page should be practical and clear:
- Title: “Order of Taking the Lulav for Sukkot.”
- Preparation list: lulav, etrog, three hadassim and two aravot.
- Short numbered steps.
- Blessings after text and vocalization review.
- A simple illustration of how the species are held.
- A note: “Customs vary - check your siddur and community practice.”
- A small quiz or “What did I learn about the Four Species?” line.
On mobile, consider a “mitzvah mode” with large, short steps so users do not need to read long paragraphs while preparing to fulfill the mitzvah.
For Children and Families
For children, the Four Species are a very tangible mitzvah: they can see different shapes, notice fragrance and hold real objects while learning that different things can join into one mitzvah.
Activity: “Four Species, Four Qualities.” Each child chooses one good quality to bring into the festival, such as joy, help, listening or gratitude. Then connect the qualities together and explain that, like the Four Species, every person adds something different to the home or classroom.
Short Quiz
- What are the Four Species?
- On which festival is the mitzvah of taking the lulav performed?
- Which blessing is added on the first day or the first time that year?
- Why is it important to mention that customs differ in the shaking order?
- In which Hallel verses do many communities shake the lulav?
CTA: Continue to the Taking the Lulav quiz and discover how well you know the Four Species, the blessings, the shaking and the meaning of this Sukkot mitzvah.
FAQ
What is the order of taking the lulav?
It is the order for fulfilling the mitzvah of the Four Species on Sukkot: holding the lulav, etrog, hadassim and aravot, reciting the blessing, bringing the species together and shaking according to custom.
When is the blessing recited?
It is recited during the day, usually in the morning near Shacharit or before Hallel. Some recite it in the sukkah before prayer. Follow your siddur and community custom.
Is the lulav taken on Shabbat?
No. Today the lulav is not taken on Shabbat, even when Shabbat falls during Sukkot.
When is Shehecheyanu said?
On the first day one performs the mitzvah that year, or the first time that person takes the lulav that year. If the first day falls on Shabbat, Shehecheyanu is said the first time the lulav is actually taken, according to custom.
Do all communities shake in the same order?
No. Customs differ in direction order, number of shakes and body position. A public guide should present the general principle and label any demonstration as a specific custom.
Can the site publish a PDF with the full text?
Yes, but only after review. Check text, vocalization, translation or transliteration, divine-name policy, layout and licensing. If the PDF includes Yehi Ratzon or kabbalistic wording, extra review is needed.
Developer Notes
Recommended schema: Article, BreadcrumbList FAQ Page and HowTo for the step-by-step order. Build a “mitzvah mode” component with short steps: prepare, hold, bless, join, shake, Hallel. If video or animation is displayed, add a `custom_displayed` field identifying the custom shown.