Taking the Four Species

The 169th mitzvah is that we are commanded to hold a lulav [palm branch, together with the other three species, esrog, myrtle, willow] and to rejoice1 before G‑d for seven days [i.e. the holiday of Sukkos].

The source of this commandment is G‑d's statement,2 "And you shall take for yourselves."

The details of this mitzvah are explained in tractate Sukkah. There it is explained that only in the Holy Temple is this mitzvah obligatory for seven days. Elsewhere, the Biblical obligation is only on the first day.3

Women are not obligated in this mitzvah.

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Positive Commandment 168

Positive Commandment 170

FOOTNOTES
1.	This refers to rejoicing with the mitzvah of lulav, since the general mitzvah of rejoicing on holidays is counted separately (see P54). See sources quoted in Likkutei Sichos, Vol. 24, p.246, note 3. Kapach, 5731, note 34.
2.	Lev. 23:40.
3.	By Rabbinic law, however, the obligation applies all seven days of Sukkos.

Translated by Berel Bell

Rabbi Berel Bell is a well-known educator, author and lecturer. He and his family reside in Montreal, Canada.

From "Sefer Hamitzvot in English," published by Sichos in English.

Taking the Four Species

Positive Commandment 169