Positive #36 - To Take the Four Species During Sukkot

In this episode, we learn positive mitzvah #36, which is to take the four species during the holiday of Sukkot.

1. What are the four species?
   • Citron / etrog
   • Palm tree branch / lulav
   • Myrtle branches / hadasim
   • Willow branches / aravot
2. When does this mitzvah apply?
   • This mitzvah applies during daytime only, not at night.
   • In the Beit Hamikdash, it applies to all seven days of Sukkot.  Elsewhere, the Biblical obligation is only on the first day of Sukkot. (Sukkot is the seven-day holiday that begins on the 15th day of Tishrei.)
   • However, after the destruction of the Beit Hamikdash, our Sages enacted that everyone should take the four species for all seven days of Sukkot. 
   • Also, we don't take them on Shabbat.
3. How is "to take the four species" defined?
   • The minimum requirement is to hold all four species, bring them together, and lift.
   • We recite a blessing beforehand.
   • They should be held in the position that they grow, right-side up.
   • As part of our prayers, we move the species in six directions (north, east, south, west, up, & down).