First Lulav Blessing of Sukkot 2026: What to Say on Sunday
In Sukkot 2026, the first blessing on the lulav and etrog is recited on Sunday, September 27. Sukkot begins Friday night, September 25, and its first day is Shabbos, September 26. Since the Four Species are not taken on Shabbos, Sunday is the first opportunity this year to perform the mitzvah. That means Sunday is also when Shehecheyanu is recited over the Four Species.
This unusual calendar can be confusing: you will already have said Shehecheyanu at Kiddush when Sukkot began, but the mitzvah of lulav has its own first-time Shehecheyanu. Here is the practical order.
When Is the First Lulav Blessing in 2026?
The first day of Sukkot is Shabbos, September 26, 2026, and the Four Species are not taken on Shabbos. The first lulav taking is therefore during the daytime on Sunday, September 27, 2026. In the Diaspora, Sunday is the second day of Yom Tov. In Israel, it is already the first day of Chol Hamoed. In both places, Sunday is the first day the Four Species are actually taken this year.
The Chabad.org Sukkot 2026 Reference Guide confirms the calendar.
What Blessings Do You Say?
On Sunday, before fulfilling the mitzvah, recite the blessing ending al netilas lulav. Because this is the first time you are performing the mitzvah during Sukkot 2026, also recite Shehecheyanu v'kiyimanu v'higiyanu lazman hazeh.
The rule is explicit in Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 137:1: when the first day of Sukkot is Shabbos and the lulav is not taken, Shehecheyanu is said over the lulav on the second day.
Why Say Shehecheyanu Again If You Already Said It at Kiddush?
The Shehecheyanu said at Kiddush marks the arrival of the festival. The Shehecheyanu said with the Four Species relates to performing this seasonal mitzvah for the first time that year. Saying Shehecheyanu on Friday night therefore does not replace the Shehecheyanu associated with your first lulav taking on Sunday.
The Chabad.org Four Species guide states specifically that when the first day is Shabbos, Shehecheyanu is added the following morning when the mitzvah is first performed.
The Basic Order for Taking the Four Species
There are different customs regarding exactly how the etrog is held before and during the blessings. Follow your community's custom where it differs.
- Have all four species ready. The lulav bundle contains one lulav, three hadassim (myrtle branches), and two aravos (willow branches), together with one separate etrog.
- Take the lulav bundle. Shulchan Aruch HaRav 651:13 rules that the lulav bundle is held in the right hand and the etrog in the left. A left-handed person's practice can differ; see the same section.
- Recite Al Netilas Lulav before completing the mitzvah. Shulchan Aruch HaRav 651:17 states that the blessing is recited immediately before performance and gives the text ending al netilas lulav.
- Take the etrog according to your custom and recite Shehecheyanu. Since Sunday is your first lulav taking of Sukkot 2026, Shehecheyanu is added.
- Bring all four species together and wave them according to your custom. Customs differ regarding the order and details of the six directions.
See the primary text of Shulchan Aruch HaRav, Orach Chaim 651.
A Note About Different Customs
Some communities hold the etrog upside down while reciting the blessings and turn it upright afterward, ensuring that the blessing comes before completion of the mitzvah. Other customs accomplish the same requirement by not picking up the etrog until after Al Netilas Lulav.
Likewise, there are different customs for the order in which the lulav is waved in the six directions. The Chabad.org guide to waving the lulav and etrog describes the Chabad procedure and notes alternative customs.
Do You Say Shehecheyanu Again on Monday?
Normally, no. Shehecheyanu is recited the first time you perform the mitzvah that Sukkot. Once you have taken the Four Species and recited it on Sunday, the daily blessing for the remaining days is Al Netilas Lulav without Shehecheyanu.
If you were unable to perform the mitzvah on Sunday and your first opportunity is later, ask a rav about your particular circumstances.
Sunday Is Especially Important This Year
Usually the first morning of Sukkot naturally reminds everyone to take the lulav and etrog. In 2026, Shabbos interrupts that familiar rhythm. The holiday begins Friday night, the first day passes without taking the Four Species, and the mitzvah begins only on Sunday.
Have your set checked, prepared and accessible before Yom Tov so that you are ready for Sunday morning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I shake the lulav on Shabbos, September 26, 2026?
No. The Four Species are not taken on Shabbos.
When do I first shake the lulav in Sukkot 2026?
Sunday, September 27, during the daytime.
Do I say Shehecheyanu on the lulav on Sunday?
Yes. Because Sunday is the first time the mitzvah is performed this Sukkot, Shehecheyanu is recited with the first lulav taking.
Is Sunday Yom Tov or Chol Hamoed?
In the Diaspora, Sunday is the second day of Yom Tov. In Israel, Sunday is Chol Hamoed. Both take the Four Species on Sunday. Other halachic differences will be covered separately in this series.
Prepare Your Set Before Sukkot
With the first lulav taking delayed until Sunday this year, it can feel as though there is extra time. But once Sukkot begins Friday evening, Shabbos and Yom Tov limit what can be prepared or repaired. Have a kosher, checked set ready before the holiday begins.
Shop EasyEtrog lulav and etrog sets for Sukkot 2026.
This article provides general halachic information. Customs differ, and individual questions should be discussed with a rav.