Guide to Buying the Four Species for Sukkot

As the Jewish holiday of Sukkot approaches, a guide has been issued detailing how to select the "Four Species" (Arba Minim) required for the festival: the etrog, lulav, hadas, and aravah. It is crucial to ensure these items are not stolen or grown in protected nature reserves, as this would render them unfit for use. Additionally, there is a preference, particularly emphasized by Rabbi Kook, for species originating from the Land of Israel.

This year, the first day of Sukkot falls on Shabbat, meaning the commandment to use the Four Species is only rabbinic in origin, not biblical. Consequently, many strict requirements are waived, though those who wish to acquire particularly beautiful specimens are still encouraged to do so.

The lulav must be straight, approximately 35 cm long, with its top leaves closed. Some prefer a lulav with a brown sheath that keeps the leaves sealed. The etrog should have a stem and a pitam (a protrusion at the top), though some pitam may fall off during growth. It should be yellow, not dark green, and free of black spots or blemishes. The minimum size for an etrog is about that of an egg.

The hadas branches should be about 25 cm long and have a triangular structure, meaning three leaves emerge from each point along the stem, with each leaf covering the base of the one above it. The aravah, also about 25 cm long, requires at least one leaf per branch and must be fresh, not dried out. It is advisable to purchase extra aravah branches to ensure freshness throughout the holiday.