Lulav and Etrog Sets 2026 — Complete Buying Guide
Everything you need to know to choose, order, and receive your arba minim fresh for Sukkot.
What Is a Lulav and Etrog Set?
A lulav and etrog set — also called the arba minim or "four species" — is the centerpiece of the Sukkot holiday. Jewish families around the world hold and wave these four plants together during morning prayers throughout the seven days of Sukkot.
The four species are:
- Etrog — a fragrant citron fruit, similar in appearance to a lemon but rounder and more textured
- Lulav — a tall, closed palm frond
- Hadassim — three myrtle branches, known for their fragrant leaves
- Aravot — two willow branches
Together they are held in the hands and waved in six directions — east, south, west, north, up, and down — symbolizing that God's presence fills the entire world.
When Is Sukkot 2026?
Sukkot 2026 begins at sunset on Friday, September 25, 2026 and continues through nightfall Friday, October 2, 2026.
The first two days are full holidays. The four intermediate days (Chol HaMoed) are semi-festive days when the lulav and etrog are still shaken daily. The holiday concludes with Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah.
Order early. Sets ship in the days immediately following Rosh Hashanah, timed to arrive fresh right before the holiday. Shipping windows fill up quickly, especially for Premium sets.
How to Choose a Lulav and Etrog Set
Not all lulav and etrog sets are the same. Here is what to know before you buy.
The Etrog
The etrog is the most carefully inspected of the four species. A kosher etrog must be:
- Grown on its own rootstock — not grafted onto another citrus tree (bilti murkav)
- Free of blemishes on its skin — no cuts, holes, or significant discoloration
-
Pitam if the etrog grew with a pitam and did not fall off before harvest, it should be intact. If however it has fallen off before harvest it's perfectly kosher.
The etrog should also be beautiful. Jewish law has a concept called hiddur mitzvah — beautifying a commandment. Choosing a particularly fine etrog is considered an enhancement of the mitzvah itself.
The Lulav
A kosher lulav must have its central spine closed and straight. The tip should be intact and the leaves should not be split or dried out. A fresh lulav has a slight green color and a fresh, clean scent.
Hadassim and Aravot
Hadassim (myrtle branches) should have triple-leaf clusters covering most of the stem. Aravot (willow branches) should have smooth-edged leaves that are still green and supple. Both dry out quickly — keep them refrigerated until use.
Which Grade Is Right for You?
At EasyEtrog.com, we offer three grades of Israeli lulav and etrog sets. All are 100% certified kosher. The difference is in the level of selection and beauty.
Basic Set
Our entry-level set meets all halachic requirements for a fully kosher arba minim. The etrog is inspected for kashrut and the lulav is straight and closed. This is an excellent choice for families with young children, for those observing for the first time, or for anyone who wants a complete, reliable set at an accessible price.
Best for: First-time buyers, families, budget-conscious shoppers, children's sets
Standard Set
Our most popular set. The etrog is more carefully selected for cleanliness and shape, and the lulav is straighter and fuller. This is the set the majority of our customers order year after year. It strikes the ideal balance between quality and value.
Best for: Most Jewish families, synagogue members, repeat customers
Premium Set
Our top Israeli grade. Each etrog is hand-selected by our expert for exceptional beauty, color, and shape. The lulav is tall, full, and perfectly straight. If you want the finest set available from Israel — this is it.
Best for: Those who prioritize hiddur mitzvah, serious observers, gifts
How to Care for Your Lulav and Etrog
When your set arrives:
Etrog: Store at room temperature, away from direct sunlight. Do not refrigerate. Handle gently — the pitam at the tip is delicate. Keep it in its foam or tissue wrapping between uses.
Lulav: Store in a cool dry place. Some people mist lightly with water to maintain freshness. Lulav does not need refrigeration.
Hadassim and Aravot: Refrigerate immediately upon arrival. Keep in their vacuum-sealed packaging until the first day of Sukkot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a separate etrog box?
An etrog box is traditional and beautiful, but not required. The foam packaging your etrog arrives in will protect it perfectly throughout the holiday.
What if my etrog arrives with a crack or blemish?
Contact us immediately with a photo. We stand behind every set we ship. Significant blemishes that affect kashrut are extremely rare due to our careful packing, but we will always make it right.
When will my order ship?
All orders ship in the days following Rosh Hashanah, timed by your location to arrive 1-3 days before Sukkot begins. You will receive a tracking number by email.
Is there a deadline to order?
We recommend ordering by September 15, 2026 to guarantee your preferred grade.
Why Order from EasyEtrog.com?
We have been delivering fresh, certified kosher lulav and etrog sets for over ten years. Every set is:
- Hand-selected for beauty, kashrut, and freshness
- 100% certified kosher — graded by an independent rabbi
- Carefully packed in protective packaging designed for shipping
- Timed to arrive fresh — we coordinate shipping windows by your zip code
- Backed by our satisfaction guarantee — if something arrives damaged, we make it right
Order Your 2026 Lulav and Etrog Set
Sukkot 2026 begins September 25th. Sets are available now for pre-order.
- Basic Lulav and Etrog Set from Israel
- Standard Lulav and Etrog Set from Israel
- Premium Lulav and Etrog Set from Israel
Chag Sameach — have a joyful and kosher Sukkot.