Binding the Lulav
Although one can often appoint another person to perform a mitzva on one's behalf, it is always preferable for one to do mitzvot oneself.[1] It is interesting to note, however, that some authorities suggest that it is actually better to appoint someone to assemble one's lulav bundle on one's behalf rather than to do so oneself. The source for this opinion is based on the halachic dispute whether or not there is a requirement to recite the "shehecheyanu" blessing when assembling one's lulav.[2] All authorities agree, however, that if someone else assembles one's lulav then the shehecheyanu is not recited. As such, having another person bind one's lulav removes oneself from any halachic uncertainty.[3]
Most other authorities, however, insist that it is preferable and especially meritorious for one to personally assemble one's lulav set oneself rather than to have it done by someone else, and common custom is in accordance with this view.[4] In fact, it is taught that one who assembles his own lulav set is considered to have built an altar in the Beit Hamikdash.[5] Based on the Arizal, there exists a popular custom to assemble the lulav in the sukka rather than anywhere else.[6]
One should first bind the hadassim to the lulav and then the aravot.[7] Although one is only required to place three hadassim in the lulav bundle,[8] many people have the custom to use more hadassim than is truly required. Among the more popular customs of adding to the number of hadassim is to place nine, twenty six, forty, sixty eight and even sixty nine hadassim on the lulav.[9] The hadassim should be placed higher than the aravot.[10] It is considered praiseworthy to changes one's aravot each day of Sukkot.[11] The etrog should be present when one assembles the lulav bundle.[12]
Many have the custom to assemble to lulav bundle Erev Yom Tov, ideally after immersing in a mikva.[13] Other individuals have the custom to only assemble the lulav on the morning of the first day of Yom Tov, as according to some authorities, it is best to assemble the lulav bundle at a time when the mitzva is actually in effect.[14] When this is done, however, one must be sure not to make any permanent knots, but rather only simple bows and loops, as making permanent knots on Yom Tov is prohibited. Others have no particular custom as to when or how the lulav should be assembled and do so at any time. The lulav bundle may be assembled at night[15] though there are those who argue that it is preferable for it to be done during the day.[16]
Although there is a widespread custom to "bind" the hadassim and aravot to the lulav by placing them in the customary baskets, known as koishelach, this may actually be in conflict with the requirement to "tie" the different species to the lulav. As such, many Sefardim and Chassidim tie the hadassim and aravot directly to the lulav without the use of koishelach. Common custom, however, is to permit koishelach without hesitation.[17] Although one can bind the hadassim and aravot to the lulav by means of any fastener,[18] it is considered especially meticulous to only use lulav leaves for this purpose.[19] Some have the custom to recite a number of kabbalistic prayers when assembling the lulav, which can be found in the more kabbalistically inclined Yom Tov machzorim.[20]
[1] Kiddushin 41a
[2] O.C. 651:6
[3] Ritva;Sukka 46a, Smak 44, Elef Hamagen 625:21
[4] Minhag Yisrael Torah 651:12
[5] Maharsha;Sukka 45a
[6] Siddur Ha'arizal of Rabbi Shabtai Marashkov, Siddur Ha'arizal of Rabbeinu Asher, Siddur Ba'al Hatanya, Darkei Chaim V'shalom 368, cited in Chikrei Minhagim (Gurary) Vol II p.153
[7] Minhag Yisrael Torah 651:4
[8] O.C. 651:1
[9] Nitei Gavriel 15:3
[10] O.C. 651:1
[11] Rema O.C. 654:1
[12] Mateh Ephraim 625:18
[13] Mateh Ephraim 625:18, Ktzeh Hamateh 652:22, Minhag Yisrael Torah 651:5
[14] Ktzeh Hamateh 625:20, Minhag Yisrael Torah 651:5
[15] Elef Hamagen 651:2
[16] Salmat Chaim 3:18
[17] Minhag Yisrael Torah 651:1
[18] O.C. 651:1
[19] Minhag Yisrael Torah 651:2
[20] Mateh Ephraim 625:18