What is a lulav and etrog set?

What is a lulav and etrog set?

Lulav ([lu’lav]; Hebrew: לולב) is a closed frond of the date palm tree. It is one of the Four Species used during the Jewish holiday of Sukkot. The other Species are the hadass (myrtle), aravah (willow), and etrog (citron). When bound together, the lulav, hadass, and aravah are commonly referred to as “the lulav”.

How much does a lulav cost?

Although the two objects may seem humble, together they can cost a very pretty penny. In a recent informal poll, we found that nearly a third of individuals spend $40-75 on a lulav and etrog, while 18% spend more than $75.

How do I choose a lulav?

The Ideal Lulav Color should be green and fresh. Height of spine should be at least 13 inches (excluding tyumos). Lulav should be perfectly straight. Leaves should be tightly connected to each other and only separate when shaken with force.

Where can I buy lulav and etrog?

Amazon.com: Lulav and Etrog.

How much does an etrog cost?

Most etrogim sell for $10 to $15 retail; wealthy buyers might pay $1,000 for an especially fine specimen. Prices like those for an unprepossessing citrus fruit have led some consumers to wonder whether the market has been rigged.

Why do you shake the lulav?

One Sukkot tradition involves the etrog, or citron, a fruit similar to a lemon, and and the lulav, a bouquet made up of palm, myrtle, and willow branches. People shake the lulav in a special way to send a blessing out to all of creation.

What makes a good etrog?

First it must be a pure citron — not hybridized or grafted with any other species. Second, the knobby bit at the top of the fruit, called pitam, must either be complete or should have naturally shed during the growing process. If the whole pitam is unnaturally broken off, the etrog is no longer kosher.

How many Hadassim are there?

Three hadassim
Hadass is one of the Four species (arba’ah minim–ארבעת המינים). The others are the lulav (palm frond), aravah (willow), and etrog (citron). Three hadassim are incorporated into the Four Species and are bound together with the lulav and aravah.

What is an etrog in English?

Called “citron” in English and etrog in Hebrew, this fruit is believed to be the first citrus to arrive on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea.

Where does etrog grow?

The origin of etrog, or yellow citron (Citrus medica), is unknown, but it was commonly cultivated in the Mediterranean. Today, the fruit is primarily cultivated in Sicily, Corsica and Crete, Greece, Israel and a few of the Central and South American countries.

What do you do with lulav and etrog after Sukkot?

“For example, many save their lulav sets and extra willows until the eve of Passover, to use them for kindling a fire for the mitzvah of burning chametz.” As for your fragrant etrog, you can transform it into a besamim (spice) pomander for havdalah.

Can you grow etrog?

Etrog trees thrive in subtropical to tropical climates. Again, as with other citrus, growing etrog citron dislike “wet feet.” Propagation occurs via grafts and seeds. Etrog citron for use in Jewish religious ceremonies cannot be grafted or budded onto other citrus rootstock, however.

Can I eat an etrog?

Although the natural fruit is quite bitter, etrog marmalade is a must because the process of soaking in water removes the bitterness and allows the natural strong fragrance to shine. You could eat etrog marmalade on toast, mixed into yoghurt, or slathered on a scone.

Which hand does the etrog go in?

During rituals, the etrog is held in the left hand while the palm branch, with myrtle and willow entwined, is held in the right. On the seventh day of Sukkot, the four species are carried seven times around the synagogue.

What is the difference between lulav and etrog?

The Lulav represents Yisod, and the etrog represents Malchut. See chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/361885/jewish/The-Sefirot.htm Reply

What is the meaning of Etrog and palm?

Etrog refers to the heart, the place of understanding and wisdom. Palm refers to the backbone, uprightness. Myrtle corresponds to the eyes, enlightenment.

What is the difference between an etrog and a myrtle?

The etrog has both taste and smell. The lulav has taste but not fragrance. The myrtle has smell but no taste. And the willow has neither. Each represents a different type of man. Some have both learning and good deeds; some have one without the other; and some have neither.

What is the significance of the four species of lulav?

The four [species] represent the four-letter Name of God, with the lulav being the [Hebrew letter] vav, which channels the divine energy into the world and man. If for no other reason, the four must be held together while waving for the Unity of the Name.