CCAR RESPONSA
New American Reform Responsa
68. Nature of the Lulav
QUESTION: What is the nature of the lulav used on Sukkot? For how many days of the festival should it be used? (Stephen Paul, Indianapolis IN)ANSWER: The lulav is the shoot of a palm tree which has remained in its folded state. In other words, before the palm leaf actually spreads out (Lev 23.40). It should measure at least three handbreadths in length. Two twigs of a willow and three of a myrtle are associated with it (Suk 29b, 32b,34a). These three kinds of branches are tied together and used for Sukkot services with the etrog. Their use can be documented to the period of the Temple and its service throughout the seven days of the festival of Sukkot. The lulav was only used on the first day in the Temple. After the destruction of the Temple in 69 CE its use for the entire festival was mandated (Suk 41a, 43b). The lulav is carried during the recital of the Hallel Psalms (Psalms 113-118). All of this, of course, is based upon the Biblical description of the festival (Lev 23.40). No specific kind of palm has been mandated so the unfolded leaf on any palm branch is acceptable. Probably the most likely palm is the date palm (Phoenix dactylifera) as seems indicated by the sources (Suk 32b; Nid 26a; Yad Hil Sukkah 7.8). The palm leaf must be three handbreath in length. The following other palms have also been used: Hyphaenae thebaica, corypha umbraculifera, as well as the thorn palm (Suk 32b), but we need not limit ourselves to them.October 1989
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