Every Sukkot, Jews across the world gear up for a holiday filled with huts, hospitality, and… horticulture. The four species – lulav (palm frond), etrog (citron), hadas (myrtle), and aravah (willow) – come together for one of the most hands-on mitzvot of the year. And while the waving part gets most of the attention, there's an underrated but deeply symbolic act that happens first: the tying of the lulav bundle.

You might think this is as simple as looping some palm rings around your leafy bouquet. But oh no – there’s history, halacha (Jewish law), and even a little mysticism tangled up in those knots. Let’s dive in.

Bundle Up, It’s (Halachically) Required! ...Or Is It?

First, the big four species question: Do you actually have to tie the lulav with the hadassim and aravot?

Short answer: It depends who you ask.

The Talmud (Sukkah 33a) records a dispute between Rabbi Yehuda and the Sages. Rabbi Yehuda holds that the binding is essential – no tie, no mitzvah. He derives this from a comparison with another biblical bundle: the “agudat ezov” (bundle of hyssop) used for ritual purification in Egypt (Exodus 12:22). Just as that was a bound bunch, so too must the lulav be tied up.

But the Sages disagree. They say it’s not required, but rather a “mitzvah min ha-muvchar” – an enhancement of the mitzvah (literally, “a preferred way”). It’s about beautification: “This is my God and I will glorify Him” (zeh Keli v’anveihu, Exodus 15:2). So binding is encouraged – but not mandatory.

The Shulchan Aruch (OC 651:1) codifies this opinion, stating it’s a mitzvah to tie three of the four species, but if you don’t, it’s still kosher.

The Etrog Walks Alone

While three of the species are bundled together, the etrog is the lone wolf of the group. Why?

The answer lies in the Torah’s wording. The verse in Leviticus 23:40 lists the four species: “Pri etz hadar” (fruit of a beautiful tree), “kapot t’marim” (palm fronds), “anaf etz avot” (myrtle), and “arvei nachal” (willows). Notably, there are “vav”s (the Hebrew word for “and”) connecting the three leafy items – but not between the etrog and the lulav. This grammatical hint implies the lulav, hadas, and aravah are grouped, but the etrog stands alone (Sukkah 34b).

Also, good luck trying to tie a bulky, bumpy citron to a delicate bouquet – it’s neither practical nor elegant. Historically, some even saw attempts to bundle it as a halachic error.

Tying One On: What Can You Use to Bind the Bundle?

Another hot topic: Does it have to be tied with a strip from one of the four species – or can you use your kid’s leftover shoelaces?

According to halacha, you can use anything – string, ribbon, velcro, gold (yes, really). The Talmud even says that in Jerusalem, some used gold threads to bind their lulavim (Sukkah 11b). Talk about upscale mitzvah gear.

However, for extra hiddur (beautification), it's common to use "min b'mino" – something from the same species. For example, strips from the lulav itself. The Shulchan Aruch (OC 651:1) allows using other materials, but many prefer sticking with palm fronds, just to avoid any halachic hair-splitting (pun fully intended).

Ashkenazim, Sephardim, and the Great Four Species Shuffle

If you’ve ever peeked at your neighbor’s lulav setup and thought, “Why is theirs upside down?” – you might be witnessing the difference between Ashkenazi and Sephardi traditions.

Sephardi Style:

Based on kabbalistic teachings, particularly those of the Arizal and followed by authorities like the Ben Ish Chai, the Sephardic custom is to place:

  • One hadas (myrtle) on the right,
  • One hadas on the left,
  • One hadas in the center (leaning slightly right),
  • One aravah (willow) on each side of the lulav’s spine.

Importantly, the hadassim are placed above the aravot. It’s a bit like a leafy sandwich, but with precise spiritual intention (Magen Avraham 651:4; Yalkut Yosef 651:10).

Ashkenazi Approach:

Ashkenazim typically follow the custom of R. Yaakov Weil, as cited by the Rema, where the hadassim are on the right and the aravot on the left, with all species roughly at the same height – though it's often preferred for the hadassim to stick up a little higher for aesthetic reasons (Mishnah Berurah 651:12).

The Triple Knot Conspiracy

You may have heard you need three knots on your lulav – but why?

One reason is symbolic: three knots for the three forefathers – Avraham, Yitzchak, and Yaakov. This custom, cited by the Raavan and recorded by the Rema (OC 651:1), adds a layer of spiritual depth. Though not strictly required, it’s become a widespread minhag (custom).

But how you count those knots varies. Some say the main binding counts as one, plus two decorative loops. Others prefer three independent knots for maximal symbolism.

Don’t Split the T’yomet! (Seriously, Don’t)

The t’yomet is the center “double leaf” at the top of the lulav’s spine, and it’s a big deal in halacha. If it’s split more than halfway down, some authorities say the lulav is invalid (pasul) (Shulchan Aruch OC 645:3; Mishnah Berurah 645:16).

Even a minor split is frowned upon by those who want to fulfill the mitzvah in the best possible way. That’s why many people inspect their lulav like a jeweler examining a diamond. It's not paranoia – it’s piety.

Why Bless the Lulav, Not the Etrog?

We wave all four species together (well, with a slight time delay for the etrog), but the blessing singles out the lulav: “Al netilat lulav” – “on taking the lulav.”

Why?

According to the Gemara (Sukkah 37b), the lulav is the tallest of the species and therefore the most visually prominent. When you look at the bundle, it’s the first thing you see – so it gets billing in the bracha.

Some even see this as symbolic. The lulav represents Torah study – tall, central, and structured. The etrog, while beautiful and fragrant (symbolizing both good deeds and Torah), is held separately. And since Torah study is what leads to action, it takes center stage in the blessing (Kiddushin 40b; Midrash Vayikra Rabbah 30:12).

In a Nutshell (or Palm Frond): What You Really Need to Know

  • Binding the lulav bundle is encouraged, not required – unless you're following Rabbi Yehuda’s opinion (but we don't pasken like him).
  • You don’t need to tie with part of the four species – but it’s preferred for aesthetics and extra credit.
  • The etrog is intentionally separate, both grammatically in the Torah and practically in your hand.
  • Customs differ between Ashkenazim and Sephardim – both valid, both beautiful.
  • The top of your lulav – the t’yomet – should ideally be unbroken.
  • We bless the lulav because it’s tallest, most visible, and symbolizes learning.

So the next time you’re tying your arba minim and wondering if your loops are spiritually sound, take heart: the halacha gives you room to breathe (and maybe even improvise a little with velcro). Just aim for beauty, intention, and halacha – and you’ll be all tied up in the best way possible.