One of the special mitzvahs of Sukkot is to recite a blessing on the "The Four Kinds," a citron, a palm branch, three myrtle twigs and two willow branches. We hold them close together, we recite a blessing over them and, as is customary, wave them to all the four sides and upward and downward.
The blessing we say is:
Blessed are You, L-rd, our G-d, King of the universe, who has sanctified us with His commandments and has commanded us to hold the lulav.
Böruch atö adonöy, elohaynu melech hö-olöm, asher ki-d’shönub’mitzvosöv, v’tzivönu al n’tilas lulöv.
Recite the following additional blessing the first time only.
Blessed are You, Lord our G-d, King of the universe, who has granted us life, sustained us, and enabled us to reach this occasion.
Böruch atö adonöy, elohaynu melech hö-olöm, she-heche-yönu v’ki-y’mönu v’higi-önuliz’man ha-ze.
Note: The Four Kinds are not used on Saturday, October 18, 2008, due to Shabbat observance.
Click here for info on how to bind the Four Kinds.
