By COLlive reporter
It is the Chabad custom to use five rings (“kneplach”) on the Lulav: Two are used to support the Lulav’s fronds from opening too widely, and the remaining three are used to bind the Hadassim and Arovos to the Lulav itself.
The rings are made using Lulav fronds, for rubber bands, string, and the like are considered a Chatzitza/separation. Since the Hadassim and Arovos are to be bound directly on the Lulav, basket holders (even those made from Lulav fronds) are not used.
The two inside rings that support the Lulav are usually hidden from view by the Hadassim and Arovos.
The three outside rings are fastened over the Hadassim and Arovos at the lowest Tefach (approx. 3”-4”) of the Lulav.
On Hoshana Rabba, before reciting Halel, Chabad Chassidim remove the two inside rings, leaving only the three outside rings that bind the Hadassim and Arovos to the Lulav.
These photos, sent by a person who asked to remain anonymous, show two rings that the Rebbe removed from his Lulav in the year 5739.
“The Rebbe left them on the shtender after davening as he left the shul,” the person said, referring to the main shul at 770 Eastern Parkway in Crown Heights.
He added that the Rebbe’s mazkir, Rabbi Leibel Groner said the Rebbe made his own rings for his Lulav.
People have different method to tie their rings and these photos might help some in figuring out how the Rebbe tied his own.
yes, the Rebbe would have it covered, but just from the front
I had the same skeptical questions but I thought maybe these pics were taken 25+ years ago?
I also asked where have they been all this time?
to #6 – Sefer Haminhagim – Chabad – which the Rebbe, Melech HaMoshiach Shlit’a wrote
to #7 I have both old hadasim leaves that I use for besamim for Havdalah that look like the leaf in these pictures and old lulav rings laying around that also look like these pictured. What are you looking for to indicate ‘oldness’? Wrinkles? Arthritis? No teeth?
“The rings are made using Lulav fronds, for rubber bands, string, and the like are considered a Chatzitza/separation.”
According to halacha, other materials used to bind the lulav are not considered a chatzitza, since it is done for the beauty of the mitzva. Nevertheless, the custom is to use lulav leaves.
Question: How did Mr Anonymous manage to keep the lulav rings fresh for more than 25 years? Even the Hadas leaf trapped in the ring is relatively fresh.
“On Hoshana Rabba, before reciting Halel, Chabad Chassidim remove the two inside rings, leaving only the three outside rings that bind the Hadassim and Arovos to the Lulav.”
Does anyone know the source of this practice?
only after 5748 I believe
Reb Dovid Raskin would assemble the Rebbes lulav as I recall please correct me if I wrong
The rebbe would always leave his rings in his etrog box. From tuv shin mem tes the Rebbe stopped making his Lulav and Rabbi Dovid Raskin would make it.
“The two inside rings that support the Lulav are usually hidden from view by the Hadassim and Arovos.”
As can be seen in the photo of the rebbe’s lulav above, this may not always be the case. Perhaps hidden from view from the front?
Heilig