All men and boys over the age of Bar Mitzvah must bentch Lulav. Boys under Bar Mitzvah must also do so if they are of the age of Chinuch (i.e. old enough to understand the concept of bentching Lulav). Women and girls are exempt, but the custom is for them to bentch Lulav anyway.
It is especially appropriate to go to Mikvah before bentching Lulav.
Men in good health should not eat anything before bentching Lulav. [One should not be stringent if there are any health concerns, or if he will obtain the Daled Minim only after midday.] Similarly, one should not learn or perform work before bentching Lulav.
It is best to bentch Lulav as soon as possible after sunrise, especially on the first day (6:32am). Nevertheless, one may bentch Lulav any time after sunrise until sunset (7:39pm on the first day). In extenuating circumstances (as can occur on Mivtzoim), or after the fact, it is acceptable if performed after dawn (5:10am on first day) with a Brocho, or before Tzeis (8:07pm on first day) without a Brocho (unless it is Friday evening or Shmini Atzeres evening).
Before bentching Lulav, one first fulfils the Mitzvah of Krias Shma, since it is more frequent.
Preferably, one bentches Lulav in the Sukkah. One stands facing east and holds the Lulav in the right hand, with the Lulav spine facing the person. After reciting the Brocho of Al Netilas Lulav, one picks the Esrog up with the left hand. A left-handed person holds the Lulav in his left hand, and the Esrog in his right hand. [When on Mivtzoim, one ensures that those fulfilling the Mitzvah do not hold the Lulav and Esrog in the wrong hand, and certainly not all in one hand.]
On the first day of Sukkos, the Esrog is picked up before Shehecheyanu is recited. However, it is not joined to the Lulav until the conclusion of the Brocho.
When joining the Esrog to the Lulav, the upper third of the Esrog should touch the bottom of the Lulav. This is accomplished by holding the Esrog at a slight diagonal.
One ensures that there is no Chatzitzah (barrier) between his hands and the Daled Minim. Thus, one should remove any finger rings. [When on Mivtzoim, one ensures that those fulfilling the Mitzvah are not wearing gloves or holding anything (e.g. wallet or keys) that may constitute a Chatzitzah.]
Na’anuim:
The Daled Minim are extended in all directions, three times per direction. One does not turn his body, but merely moves the Daled Minim in each direction.
The order of the Na’anuim:
- South (i.e. south-east).
- North (i.e. north-east).
- East (i.e. centre east).
- Up. [The Daled Minim are returned in a downward motion to around the height of the chest before being brought back to the chest.]
- Down. [The Daled Minim are returned in an upward motion to around the height of the chest before being brought back to the chest.]
- West (i.e. twice south-west and the third time centre-west).
The Daled Minim are extended forth from the chest and returned back to the chest, physically touching the place where one beats his fist when reciting Ashamnu. Each time the Lulav is extended forth, it is given a slight shake before being returned to the chest.
During the Na’anuim, the Daled Minim themselves remain perfectly upright and should not be inclined in any direction. One ensures that the tip of the Lulav does not come into contact with the wall, ceiling or Schach. The Esrog is concealed by the hand, besides the very last time (i.e. centre-west), when it is slightly revealed.
It is preferable to eat Mezonos right after bentching Lulav, in order to recite the Brocho of Leishev Basukkah on the Mitzvah of Daled Minim as well.
Throughout Sukkos (and on Shmini Atzeres) one should not smell the Hadassim or Esrog.
Women are generally not meticulous about waving the Lulav in all six directions.
