Halocho #1168 - Tell me about the Lulav

On Sukkoth there's a Mitzvah to shake the four species; a Lulav, 3 Haddasim, 2 Aravot and an Etrog. 

The Lulav is a palm branch that is still closed. Once the leaves start fanning out, it's no longer a Lulav. 

A Lulav has a spine from which the leaves protrude; this spine needs to be facing you when you shake the four species. The Lulav spine should be straight, a slight curvature towards you is allowed. 

The Lulav spine must be at least 4 Tefachim (32 cm - 13") long. This is measured from the bottom of the lowest "leaf" to the bottom of the highest "leaf". 

Each "leaf" is made of 2 parts that are connected (and will eventually open up into a V-shaped palm leaf). If these double-leaves start separating then the Lulav may no longer be Kosher. Special care should be taken that the highest leaves remain coupled. 

 Source: Shulchan Aruch 645. Ktiva Vechatima Tova

 - Danny

Please daven for the complete recovery of a little boy recovering from lymphoma:

 יוֹנָתָן-שִׂמְחָה בֶּן לֵאָה-רִבְקָה